On Feb. 26th the 20th Annual Community Sport Banquet organized by the Sport Council of Red Deer will be held at the Capri Centre.

The banquet recognizes the achievements and contributions of athletes and volunteers who help to make Red Deer a centre of sporting excellence in the province.

The first banquet, a joint effort of the City Recreation, Parks and Culture department and the Royal Canadian Legion was held in February of 1991.

That year the 32nd Sportsman Award was presented as well as 20 Certificates of Merit to deserving individuals as chosen by their sport associations. In the years that followed the Kendall Dunkle Memorial Trophy, sponsored by the Firefighters Community Fund, was added to recognize minor coaches and then the Advocate came on board with its Male and Female Athlete, Coach and Team of the Year awards.

Three years ago the Sport Council of Red Deer assumed responsibility for the event and added more awards which enhanced even further the ability of the community to recognize sport excellence.

The banquet serves two vital purposes. To provide a venue in which athletes and volunteers can be recognized and celebrated for their achievements by and in front of their peers and through its many awards, validate the accomplishments of the recipients and give them inspiration and encouragement to continue striving for even greater excellence in their chosen sport whether it’s in competition, coaching, officiating or administration.

As a former organizer of this event; as last year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement in Sport Award (formally the Sportsman Award); as the Chairman of Special Olympics Red Deer who’s athletes and volunteers have received recognition through the event and as a supporter, I know firsthand the importance of the Community Sport Banquet and the role it plays in the sporting fabric of our city.

I encourage sporting groups and citizens at large to nominate individuals and teams for the many awards offered by the Sport Council of Red Deer and presented at the banquet and to show your support by attending the event on Feb. 26th.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the SCORD website at www.scord.ca.

Jerry Tennant

Red Deer