The volunteers who power local sports organizations were acknowledged at Sport Aurora’s 14th annual volunteer recognition event Sunday.
Twenty-eight coaches, organizers and supporters from baseball, tennis, swimming, martial arts, Special Olympics, and more were honoured for their commitment to delivering a quality sports experience in the community, according to a Sport Aurora news release.
MC Stephen Forsey and representatives from each organization presented the awards from Sport Aurora, along with certificates from Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy and Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill MPP Michael Parsa.
“Thanks to each and every one of you for your contributions, and the amount of hours that you put in,” Parsa said. “In Canada, we’re fortunate that 41 per cent of Canadians formally volunteer their time to service clubs, charities and wonderful organizations like Sport Aurora. And about 82 per cent informally volunteer at their time … So, thank you for everything you do, and congratulations for an amazing job by the team at Sport Aurora for going above and beyond and recognizing these great individuals.”
Sport Aurora president and Aurora Ward 1 Councillor Ron Weese followed up by expanding on the value of volunteerism, looking at a typical league, where each team may have at least one coach, an assistant coach, and often a manager. Factoring in the number of hours worked per week by each volunteer, multiplied over the season, and over several teams and divisions, the value — at minimum wage — can be well into the six figures.
“That represents significant human capital, and think what it would cost to run sport organizations if we had to pay that — it would be impossible,” he continued. “So, in fact, you drive sport, and without volunteers we wouldn’t have local sport. So, I want to thank you and your family members who support you while you’re putting in the time.”
The event included two special presentations: the President’s Award to former mayor (and Sport Aurora vice-president) Geoffrey Dawe and the Honoured Member jacket to Stephen Forsey. The latter recipient has been deemed by Sport Aurora’s board of directors to have made “notable contributions or to have promoted the interests of Sport Aurora over an extended period.”
The Volunteer Recognition event, overall, highlights the vital role volunteers play in keeping Aurora’s sports programs accessible and thriving.
"This year’s honourees, from coaches to organizers, represent the backbone of local sports, bringing energy, dedication, and countless hours to support athletes of all ages. By recognizing their efforts, Sport Aurora reinforces the value of community commitment and celebrates those who make sports a cornerstone of life in Aurora," the news release stated.
The 28 recipients honoured are:
- Geoffrey Dawe (Sport Aurora President’s Award)
- Stephen Forsey (Sport Aurora Honoured Member Award)
- David Maguire (York Oldtimers Hockey League)
- Sarah Tracey (Central York Girls Hockey Association)
- Stacey Barron (Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club)
- Craig Lloyd (Aurora Lawn Bowling Club)
- Luch Condarcuri and Wayne Scott (York North Basketball Association)
- Dan Banks and Simone Hubers (Special Olympics Ontario-Aurora)
- Charles Marek and John Cooper (Aurora Tigers Jr. A)
- Sandra Gismondi (York Artistic Swimming Club)
- Erik Tolles (Aurora Community Tennis Club)
- Kathie Sharkey (Storm Volleyball)
- Greg Rank (Elevation Athletics)
- Warren Craney (York Region Football Association)
- Jane Snape (Aurora Seniors Association/Pickleball Division)
- Kiyana Emami and Aisuda Zandy (K.O. Club Martial Arts & Fitness)
- Suzanne Hoy (Aurora Skating Club)
- Suzanne Charlebois-Bin (York Curling Club)
- John Stoner (Team Ontario Astros)
- Liz Miller (Toronto & North York Pony Club)
- Paiten Kopecny (Shaolin Martial Arts Canada)
- Shelly Thunder (Gauntlet Road Tennis)
- Jill Green and Andy Jenicek (Aurora Diggers Girls Softball Association).
Sport Aurora acknowledges the Town of Aurora’s community partnership grant for enabling it to sponsor the awards, and to promote the recipients.
