A strong and supportive leader known for her care for athlete health and wellness, her commitment to creating and encouraging opportunities, and her calm professionalism, Special Olympics BC – Victoria’s Local Coordinator Kendal Alston is the deserving winner of the 2019 SOBC President’s Award!
In her 13 years with SOBC – Victoria, Alston began as a volunteer with different sport programs such as Athletic Club and soccer, and then enhanced her involvement by taking on Local Committee roles, first Head Coach Coordinator then Local Coordinator. With her intelligent, supportive, and tireless leadership and her passion for Special Olympics, Alston has helped her Local thrive.
“Kendal is a constant source of support for all members of the Local Committee, Sub-Committee, and coaches. She is a wealth of knowledge and is constantly sharing and passing on her knowledge to build a strong volunteer base. Her passion and genuine care for athletes at each level of competition and recreation have had a tremendous positive impact,” Alson’s nominators wrote.
Alston has skillfully served as Local Coordinator even while balancing a full-time job and full-time school pursuing a master’s degree in business. She strategically delegates where needed and remains engaged so everyone feels supported and able to thrive.
“Kendal constantly strives to find new and creative ways to expand opportunities for our athletes and volunteers. These opportunities range from different health and wellness initiatives to athlete and volunteer leadership and exposure to the community,” her nominators wrote. “She makes supporting everyone, athletes and volunteers alike, a priority. Without her calm demeanor that perseveres through all pressure, our local would not function fearlessly the way we do presently. Her strong leadership skills have allowed for other members of the Local to find their path and excel in their positions.”
Heartfelt congratulations and thanks, Kendal, for all that you do!
SOBC salutes this year’s deserving President’s Award nominees:
- Merv Anderson, SOBC – Salt Spring Island
- Barbara Coates, SOBC – Mission
- Marc Fisher and Connelle Styles, SOBC – Ridge Meadows
- Ted Hope, volunteer GMS and results expert
- Sally Masters, SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook
- Dale Redford, SOBC – Grand Forks
- Dianne Zamborsky, SOBC – Vancouver
About the President's Award
The President's Award is presented to a non-coaching volunteer who is dedicated to planning, organizing and operating sport programs, fundraisers or competitions. This volunteer is an asset to the Local Committee or sub-committee and is always willing to take on a leadership role to ensure that the athletes and volunteers have the best experience possible. This volunteer donates countless hours and always has the best interest of Special Olympics BC in the forefront.
Past President's Award recipients:
- Dorothy Franson, SOBC – Chilliwack (2018)
- Joan Gerhardt, SOBC – Kelowna (2017)
- Michael Maveety, SOBC – Kamloops (2016)
- Margot Tubman, SOBC – Victoria (2015)
- Helen Gaulin, SOBC – Fort St. John (2014)
- Karen Theriault, SOBC – Surrey (2013)
- Barb Tull, Region 4 Coordinator (2012)
- Sheila Hogan, SOBC – Coquitlam (2011)
- Patty Wheeldon, SOBC – Langley (2010)
- Marlene Davison, SOBC – Surrey (2009)
- Maureen Brinson, SOBC – Campbell River (2008)
- Thom Ross, SOBC – Prince George (2007)
- Debra Colvin, SOBC – Burnaby (2006)
- Edna McCreight, SOBC – Port Alberni (2005)
- Jennifer Benjamin, SOBC – Surrey (2004)
- Dale Hanna, SOBC – Quesnel (2003)
- May Wilson, SOBC – Vernon (2002)
- Shaheen Khatami, SOBC – Richmond (2001)
- Neville Askew, SOBC – Cowichan Valley (2000)
- Darlene Kramp, SOBC – Courtenay/Comox (1999)
- Jo Osborne, SOBC – Victoria (1998)
- Joan Cox, SOBC – Terrace (1997)
- Pam Sywulych, SOBC – Vancouver (1996)
- Betty Timm, SOBC – Vernon (1995)
- Yvon Savoie, SOBC – Courtenay/Comox (1994)
- Cherald Tutt, SOBC – Kelowna (1993)
- Flo-Elle Watson, SOBC – Victoria (1992)
- Anne McCabe, SOBC – North Vancouver (1991)
- Edie Burdett, SOBC – Vancouver (1990)