Tuesday night nine of our volunteers were recognized for their commitment to the league and the children of our community over the years. Originally nominated for recognition in 2020, the awards ceremonies never happened last year. The province has elected to hold virtual presentations around the province to recognize the many volunteers, and the one for our area kicked off the process tonight. This year province wide 6700 volunteers will be recognized, representing 82,377 YEARS of volunteering. Here are our volunteers that were recognized tonight:
WALTER DACOSTA – Long a steadying force on the league executive, Walter was recognized tonight for his 20 years of volunteering since his return to the city in 2000. Walter has been league President, a referee, co-convenor, coach, and the person you can always turn to for sound council.
RYAN VIVIAN – A former player, Ryan has been an enthusiastic coach and volunteer with us for ten years now, and shows no indication of slowing down, with his son Ashton set to join us next season, and Avery still able to play. Ryan is always willing to do what ever is asked for special events and loves being around the League.
LUCY AND MARTIN HARRIS – We chose not to split up this recognition because any one that has see Lucy and Martin patrolling the sidelines for the Mustangs in the Little Guys Division the last five years knows what a great and enthusiastic pair they are in making their players better and helping them understand how much fun the game can be. Lucy is also a former player, who coached while in high school, and also was a member of our executive for several years. We hope that both of them will be able to stay with us for many more years.
KELLY DAVISON – Kelly is another of our former players that came back to coach and is doing a great job making a difference with her players. She knows the game, and her enthusiasm on the bench translates into passionate play from her players too! We are lucky to have Kelly helping continue to make the league a special place.
COREY YOUNG – The quiet coach and leader of the Slammers in the Little Gals Division, Corey is also a volunteer behind the canteen counter on Wednesday and Thursday nights along with the rest of his family. He is always willing to help out with special events and his “do what needs to be done” approach is invaluable to us.
CALISTA PAYNE – One of our three youth volunteers, Calista has been helping since she was tall enough to see over the scorekeepers desk, and strong enough to turn on the clock. Along with the scorekeeping duties, Calsita also has moved on to be an assistant coach, videographer and music supplier for special events. A mainstay for banquet openings, she plays many roles in the league and we hope she continues to be involved in the years to come.
JULIANA SARGENT– The second of our three youth volunteers, Juliana is also a former player that has come back to volunteer as a coach. referee, timer, scorekeeper and recently has assumed several duties to assist the Girls Division convenors. Julians is enthusiastic and is well liked by her players and fellow coaches on Wednesday night.
GRADY IRWIN – The last of our three youth volunteers, he is by no means the least of them. Grady’s commitment to helping in the Little Guys Division has grown ever since he asked if he could keep score. His talent for doing that has grown into being a referee for the Tuesday night games, and for the last two seasons he has been an assistant coach with Rob O’Grady as well. His passion for basketball is infectious and it is certainly our hope that Grady continues to be a part of what our league has come to represent.
As disappointing as it was to not be able to share this recognition event with all of these volunteers and the many other area volunteers tonight, their contribution to the success of our program is in no way diminished. We are VERY proud to have these nine people be a part of what we are – to be part of the fabric that continues to hold the dream of Don Petersen alive – To provide a safe place where the children of the community can learn the game of basketball in an atmosphere where games are played “Just For The Fun Of It”.
Our thanks to all of you – and our heart felt CONGRATULATIONS!!!
