Sport BC Honours BC Wheelchair Sports Association Executive Director For Lifetime Achievement
RICHMOND, BC (February 9, 2012) —
Sport BC named Kathy Newman the recipient of this year’s Daryl Thompson Award, presented by the Beedie Group, for her 30 years of leadership and advocacy for Wheelchair Sports in BC. This honour, to be awarded at Sport BC’s 46th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, recognizes a British Columbian who has contributed to sport in an extraordinary way over an extended period of time.
Newman began working as an office manager for BC Wheelchair Sport Association (BCWSA) in 1981 and soon became the Executive Director a few years later. Dedicating thirty years of her life to the development of Wheelchair Sports, Newman has been instrumental in removing barriers to sport participation for people with disabilities across the province.
“Ask anyone in the sport sector about Kathy Newman and they will tell you she is one of the most passionate, driven, dedicated people involved in BC sport today," said Sport BC’s Event Manager, Carey Summerfelt. "To contribute as she has for 30 years illustrates just that, and her commitment to the development of wheelchair sport in BC and Canada will have a lasting impact on the sport community.
“Kathy Newman’s long-time contribution to BC Wheelchair Sports mirrors the lifestyle the Beedie Group supports in health and sport and we are proud to help recognize her accomplishments,” said Ryan Beedie, Beedie Group President.
Join us in celebrating Kathy Newman and the excellence of BC’s amateur athletes at Sport BC’s 46th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards, presented by TELUS. More information can be found at SportBC.com.
About Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards:
Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 17 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, and officials on their performance and contribution to sport in the province. The awards play a valuable role in nurturing athletic success and recognizing some of BC’s growing talents. For a list of previous award winners and additional information on the 46th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit SportBC.com.
BACKGROUNDER
Kathy Newman Involvement in the Sport Sector
• Newman serves on the Wheelchair Basketball Canada Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Competitions Committee for the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation.
• She was instrumental in founding the Bridging the Gap program, which introduces people with disabilities to wheelchair sports – since its inception, the program has spread across Canada and has recruited several Paralympians, including Sarah Hunter (Wheelchair Tennis) and Daryl Neighbour (Wheelchair Curling)
• She was co-chair of the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships Society. This event had over 12,000 spectators, over 22,000 web viewers, generated over $40,000 in ticket sales and set records for media attendance, ticket sales, attendance and merchandise sales.
• With Newman’s influence, the BC Gaming Commission agreed to alter eligibility regulations surrounding gaming proceeds.
• In 2006, she was named to the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity’s (CAAWS) Women of Influence list. This year, she was awarded the “In Her Footsteps” award, which recognizes significant contributions by women to girls and women in sport
QUOTE FROM KATHY NEWMAN
“I was overwhelmed when I learned I would be receiving the Sport BC Daryl Thompson Award. I have always admired the winners of this award so I could not believe it! I have spent my whole life involved in sport in one way or another and have learned sport can be such a powerful tool for positive change whether it is building community spirit or improving self esteem. “
Daryl Thompson Award
• The Daryl Thompson Award is named in honour of the late former Sport BC Chair, Daryl Thompson
• Recipient is selected annually by Sport BC’s Board of Directors
• Previous award winners include John Furlong (1998), Rick Hansen (1986), and Terry Fox (1980)
