December 24, 2008 (Richmond, BC) – By the end of 2009, up to 120 volunteers in a dozen different communities in British Columbia will be recognized for their dedication and contribution to sport at the Community Sport Hero® Awards presented by EnCana.

The Community Sport Hero Awards presented by EnCana will travel to twelve communities in 2009 to help recognize coaches, officials, mentors and administrators who have dedicated themselves to the growth and development of amateur sport in their community.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to connect and recognize sport volunteers in British Columbia,” said Sport BC President and CEO, Paul Varian. “The awards celebrate and capture the emotion, excitement and passion volunteers have for amateur sport.”

Dawson Creek will host the first awards ceremony of the 2009 tour on February 10, 2009, followed by these BC communities:

February
– Dawson Creek
– White Rock / South Surrey

March
– Hope

April
– Fort St. John

May
– Nanaimo

June
– Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows

July
– Williams Lake

August
– Fort Nelson

September
– Quesnel

October
– Terrace

November
– Vernon

December
– Port Alberni

Sport BC is now accepting nominations for outstanding sport volunteers for the 2009 tour communities. For full nomination guidelines and how to nominate, please visit, www.communitysporthero.ca.

About the Community Sport Hero® Awards presented by EnCana
The Community Sport Hero® Awards presented by EnCana honours the outstanding sport volunteers in communities in British Columbia. The prestigious awards recognize coaches, officials, mentors and administrators who have dedicated themselves to grow and develop amateur sport at the community level. The dedication of these individuals have allowed athletes and communities to grow and shape sport in British Columbia and inspire others to become involved in sport. The most recent Community Sport Hero® Awards were held on November 20, 2008 in Kamloops, BC, recognizing seven outstanding sport volunteers. For more information on the Community Sport Hero Awards® presented by EnCana please visit www.communitysporthero.ca.