It may be cliché to say, but community vitality depends upon the people who devote their time, energy and lives to others. Cliché or not, thankful we are that we have folks like this in our small mountain town. It is a better place for having them.
In recognition of this fact, three main events are publicly acknowledging these difference makers and we invite you to cheer them on, congratulate and thank them.
On Wednesday, Sport BC is coming to town to acknowledge local volunteers who have dedicated years of service to local community sport. Coaches, managers, officials and administrators are all essential to operating a sport group. Developing youth is often included as a valuable part of the community sport volunteer role while others keep adult leagues alive and well. The Community Sport Hero Awards at the Prestige 6:30 p.m. will be presented to ten local sport volunteers who have shown their commitment over the years to the sporting community at large. Well done!
The Rick Hansen relay event is, in part, about celebrating the difference makers in all communities across the country: Hence, the Man in Motion signature transforming into the Many in Motion message. The 30 or so medal bearers carrying the medal this week in and around Balfour and Nelson were accepted and recognized as people who impact their community in a positive way. You will see them wheeling, walking, or running through the community on Thursday afternoon starting at 1 p.m. in Balfour and in Nelson at 4 p.m. and Sunday morning at 9:20 a.m. when leaving the city. Cheer them on or honk your horns when you see them.
Working with the opportunity that the Rick Hansen relay presents the local organizing committee thought it a perfect occasion to acknowledge and thank locals in seven of our valued community sectors. Nominations were sought directly from the sectors and the chosen few will be honoured at the school district lunchtime event, April 19, 1 p.m. at NDCC and presented by police chief Wayne Holland.
So, when you see the relay happening this week or know the people who are being recognized for their local impact, congratulate and thank them for the difference they make to our community. They are our local champions.
To be included in this twice monthly column, contact Kim Palfenier at the Nelson Regional Sports Council via email at nrsc@telus.net