Nominations sought for region’s top athletes and sports leaders

Apr 21, 2020 | 11:11 AM

A long standing tradition in North Okanagan sports will continue despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 27th annual Tim Hortons North Okanagan Sports Awards will be handed out later this year, although a date and how the awards will be presented are still to be determined.

VSS Panthers football was named team of the year in 2019 (Vernon Matters file photo)

At this point, the selection committee is looking for nominations for the three awards for athlete and team of the year, and for leadership in sports.

“While no one is allowed to participate in organized sports at present, we are urging members of the public to look back over the last 12 months and consider who they believe are the region’s elite athletes,” said committee chair and former Vernon deputy fire chief and city councilor Jack Gilroy. “You can participate by sending in your choices, either by telephone or email.”

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Over the years, there have been some tremendous winners. They include Paralympian Josh Dueck who took silver at the 2010 Paralympic Games in the slalom sit-ski event and NHL forward Brent Gilchrist who was the first to receive the Athlete of the Year award in 1994.

As well, an unbeatable Vernon Vipers squad was awarded the North Okanagan’s Team of the Year two years running after winning the national Junior A hockey championship in 2009 and 2010.

The committee has honoured many locals with the Leadership in Sports award, like Mr. and Mrs. Volleyball, Denis and Barb Murdoch, who began spring club volleyball for girls in 1975. This important award honours coaches or organizers who have made a difference to the community.

Denis Murdoch, centre, is presented with the Leadership award in 2019 (Vernon Matters file photo)

Last year’s award winners were Vipers’ captain Jagger Williamson – Athlete of the Year; VSS Panthers senior football squad – Team of the Year; Denis and Barb Murdoch – Leadership in Sports.

The awards for the 2019/2020 season will be presented this June. No date has yet been set.

“We’re looking forward to a large number of nominations again this year,” said Gilroy. “This area certainly is well represented with some outstanding athletes, teams and leaders in sport and we look forward to recognizing them.”

Nominations can be submitted to chair Jack Gilroy by email at: jegilroy@shaw.ca or by phone at 250- 542-6477.

The nomination deadline is Saturday, May 30, 2020. The awards are chosen by a panel of media and sports community reps.

by Pete McIntyre

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