Special Olympics BC – Kelowna's Annabel Stanley is an outstanding coach and a motivating, supportive leader for local, provincial, and national teams. She uses her strong technical knowledge, her positive communication skills, and her encouraging and committed nature to help athletes and fellow coaches excel.
During the pandemic, Annabel created a deeply connected national team with Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 cross country skiing, even though they never met face to face! She led a strong commitment to training and built a powerful team identity, while also supporting athletes with their mental health through very challenging times.
In Kelowna’s cross country skiing program, Annabel helped athletes get to their first competitions in two years and enter races that challenged them to reach new heights. All the athletes excelled and are now confident to build on the results and move on to new challenges.
Annabel creates an inclusive, supportive environment where all members develop confidence, independence, and skill.
Congratulations to Annabel and to all of the deserving 2022 nominees! Watch the 2022 SOBC Awards Ceremony:
Past Howard Carter Award recipients:
- David Wilkinson, SOBC – Kelowna (2021)
- Misty Pagliaro, SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook (2020)
- Angela Behn, SOBC – Nanaimo (2019)
- Courtney Keith, SOBC – Delta (2018)
- Donna Bilous, SOBC – Abbotsford (2017)
- Garth Vickers, SOBC – Kelowna (2016)
- Tom Norton, SOBC – Abbotsford (2015)
- Deborah Carter, SOBC – Surrey (2014)
- Sheila Snell, SOBC – Surrey (2013)
- Walde Libera, SOBC – Coquitlam (2012)
- Donna Bilous, SOBC – Abbotsford (2011)
- Jaci Gaetz, SOBC – Port Alberni (2010)
- Nanci Martin, SOBC – Vancouver (2009)
- Jackie Ross, SOBC – Prince George (2008)
- Aleila Miller, SOBC – Smithers (2007)
- Heather Hamilton-Wright, SOBC – Vancouver (2006)
- Sylvia Wallach, SOBC – Port Alberni (2005)
- Sallie Szanik, SOBC – Prince George (2004)
- Randy Scott, SOBC – North Shore (2003)
- Ralph Bramble, SOBC – Prince George (2002)
- Rita Quelch, SOBC – North Shore (2001)
- Sally Yee, SOBC – Vancouver (2000)
- Mary McIntosh, SOBC – Vancouver (1999)
- Dee Neukomm, SOBC – Prince George (1998)
- Mick McLellan, SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook (1997)
- Mona Hazell, SOBC – Penticton (1996)
- Maureen Brinson, SOBC – Campbell River (1995)
- Carmen Biko, SOBC – Vancouver (1994)
- Hughie Wat, SOBC – Vancouver (1993)
- Kathy Dumont, SOBC – Kamloops (1992)
- Robb Berezan, SOBC – Coquitlam (1991)
- Mike Vezina, SOBC – Surrey (1990)
- Carollyne Sinclaire, SOBC – Vancouver (1989)