In an effort to recognize Cochrane’s most loyal sport contributors, Sport 4 Life Cochrane, is accepting nominations for community volunteers for the organization’s first Volunteer Appreciation Night.
Slated to run at the Cochrane RancheHouse April 26, the evening aims to honour those who build and grow the community through sport and active living. The deadline to submit nominations is March 31.
“Here in Cochrane, sport is such a big part of out community,” said volunteer event coordinator, Tracy Guthrie. “There are so many people who put so much of their free time and energy into volunteering at these clubs.
“And we have no event to honour those who play such a big part in sports in our community.”
All non-profit sports clubs are welcome to attend the event — be they large minor hockey organizations, local hiking clubs, or adult or children’s groups. Each association is invited to nominate and award their own volunteer, said Guthrie.
Aside from individual association awards, Sport 4 Life Cochrane will be honouring five community members with awards in five categories:
• Leader/Coach of the Year: a leader or coach who exemplifies a positive presence in the lives of each participant they lead.
• Volunteer of the Year: a volunteer who demonstrates personal devotion through the commitment to make a difference.
• Local Business Contributor of the Year: this business contributes to the development of sport and recreation in the community.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: a stand-out person who is committed to fostering active living in Cochrane, without expecting anything in return.
• Spirit of Sport Award: a noted member of the sport and recreation community that embodies the character and passion of sport.
In addition to the award ceremony, Guthrie said the evening boasts a keynote speaker in Dr. David Legg, Paralympic committee board member and associate professor at Mount Royal University. Country band, Pear, is scheduled to bring their fiddling sound to the evening, and guests can curb their appetites with refreshments and a cash bar.
The event is slated to run from 7 p.m. to midnight in the Cochrane RancheHouse.
Nomination forms are available online at sport4lifecochrane.com, as well as in hard copy in the lobbies of Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre and Big Hill Leisure Pool. Only those who are 18 and older can nominate.
Tickets are $65 and can be purchased through sport4lifecochrane.com or by dialing 403-981-7669.
Proceeds from the event go towards Sport 4 Life Cochrane and the community sport/recreation groups the organization supports.
