Thursday, January 7th, 2010
KINGSTON – John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and The Islands was joined today by Jenna Lambert, Joe Hawkins of the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame and various sporting groups to launch Celebration 2010 – an award recognition program honouring the unsung heroes involved in sport and recreation in Kingston and The Islands.
Whether it is the long serving coach of a little-league team, or the person who floods the rink every night, this is a recognition program for sports and recreation volunteers – the men and women behind the scenes, rather than on the court or playing field.
The nomination period is now open and people are asked to submit to John Gerretsen’s constituency office a one page summary of why they believe their candidate deserves this recognition. Please enclose the name, address and telephone number of both the nominator and the community sports volunteer. The deadline for nominations is January 29, 2010.
Nominees and nominators will be notified through Mr. Gerretsen’s constituency office and a
formal community recognition ceremony will be held in February.
QUOTES
“There are people in our community who spend thousands of volunteer hours helping our athletes reach their dreams. These awards will turn the spotlight on them, by giving them the recognition they deserve. As we head towards the 2010 Olympics, this is a great opportunity for Kingston residents to recognize and celebrate our local unsung heroes in sport and recreation.”
- John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and The Islands
“It’s so important to recognize those people in each of our lives who have dedicated themselves to helping us be successful, those individuals who quietly and graciously burden themselves on our behalf. As a swimmer, the success of my athletic journey has been largely due to the unwavering support of countless volunteers. As the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, we will undoubtedly see firsthand the incredible work of numerous volunteers. Celebration 2010 is an exciting new way to recognize their efforts.”
- Jenna Lambert
“Volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and money of their own free will, are the salt of all community organizations, whether they are involved in arts, culture, sports or school activities.
These organizations would not be able to function, as healthy vibrant community identities, without the volunteers who are the essential component of all successful organizations.”
- Joe Hawkins