Bo, Avril and Pat Win Wheelchair Basketball Canada Annual Awards

Wheelchair Basketball Canada announced the names of its major award winners on May 23 at the 2010 annual awards banquet as part of the 2010 National Championship in Saskatoon, SK.

We are pleased to announce that BCWBS member Robert (Bo) Hedges was named Athletes of the Year, Avril Harris was awarded the Junior Athlete of the year, while Pat Harris was honoured with Leadership Excellence Award. Congratulations to all!

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:

Robert (Bo) Hedges has proven himself to be a force on the court both nationally and internationally. This past season saw success for Bo at various level's of competition.

A member of the Douglas College Royals, they claimed the CWBL Open Championships. It was there that Bo was chosen as a tournament All-Star, taking 4th place in tournament points. A month later, history would repeat itself as Bo and Team BC claimed gold at the National Championships, for the 3rd straight year.

As a member of Team Canada, Bo was an essential piece in claiming silver at the America’s Cup. The silver medal also gave Canada a spot at the 2010 World Championships.

According to Team Canada Head Coach, Jerry Tonello, “Bo has been at the forefront of our "culture of fitness". His many hours on the treadmill and working with a personal trainer has made him a positive fitness role model for our program. Along with the fitness comes an excellent shooting touch which makes Bo one of the best class 2.5's in the world.”

Off the court, he volunteers in such capacities as; junior coach, board member, and Division I and II athlete representative. A vital piece to BCWBS, Bo can always be relied upon and is very eager to give back to his community.

Work ethic, tireless commitment to the sport, and all-around athletic abilities make Bo Hedges an excellent Wheelchair Basketball Canada Male Athlete of the Year.

• National Championship – Team BC
• CWBL Open Championship – Douglas College Royals
• Silver Medallist America’s Cup – Team Canada
• All-Star – CWBL Open Finals

JUNIOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:

Avril Harris, has evolved into a exceptional wheelchair basketball player. A vital component to Team BC – Juniors, Avril was a leader bringing home silver at the Junior West Regionals. He is committed to progressing as a player and is always in attendance at provincial High Performance and Junior Camps. Avril has also found success at the senior level, competing in both Division I and Division II of the BC-CWBL. A Division II All-Star, he for the first time was named to Team BC’s Senior team.

Avril also commits much of his time to coaching and volunteering for BCWBS. He has assisted in running the Prince George junior and drop in programs, as well enact a school program within the public system in Prince George. A dependable volunteer, Avril has played a considerable role in the awareness and growth of wheelchair basketball in BC. BC Wheelchair Basketball Society and Wheelchair Basketball Canada are proud to name Avril Harris Junior Athlete of the Year.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD:

Pat Harris has been involved in wheelchair sports in BC for over 35 years as an athlete, volunteer and coach. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the BC Wheelchair Sports Association for 18 years, serving as President for the past 12 years. Pat’s involvement in wheelchair basketball has contributed to the development of his community in many ways. He has organized countless public awareness wheelchair basketball demos for schools and service groups in Prince George and he has travelled to a variety of northern communities promoting our sport. Pat is valued not only for his dedication and commitment to wheelchair basketball, but also for his ability to nurture new athletes and give them the skills and confidence to take them on to higher levels of competition. Through Pat’s hard work and leadership, he has increased the number of opportunities to individuals with disabilities and at the same time increased the level of disability awareness in the northern BC region. The province of BC is extremely grateful to have Pat Harris’ involvement and so too is Wheelchair Basketball. Through wheelchair basketball Pat has contributed to the development of his community in many ways. He has organized countless public awareness wheelchair basketball demos for schools and service groups in Prince George and he has travelled to a variety of northern communities promoting our sport. Pat is valued not only for his dedication and commitment to wheelchair basketball, but also for his ability to nurture new athletes and give them the skills and confidence to take them on to higher levels of competition. Through Pat’s hard work and leadership, he has increased the number of opportunities to individuals with disabilities and at the same time increased the level of disability awareness in the northern BC region.The province of BC is extremely grateful to have Pat Harris’ involvement and so too is Wheelchair Basketball.

• President, BC Wheelchair Sports Association for 8 years
• BCWSA Board Member for 12 years
• Former Athlete, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Athletics
• Coach, Wheelchair Basketball for more than 20 years (Level 3 certified)
• 2003 Canada Games Coach – Wheelchair Basketball
• Founder and driving force behind the Prince George Titans wheelchair basketball program developed in the mid 1980’s
• BCWBS Coach of the Year 1999
• Provincial Advisor for wheelchair basketball at the BC Winter Games in 2002 and coached the zone 8 team at numerous games
• Past Board Member for the Pacific Sport Northern Regional Centre
• BC Wheelchair Sports Association Coach of the Year, 2000
• BC Wheelchair Sports Association Volunteer of the Year, 1988
• CWSA Dr. Robert W. Jackson Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
• BC Paraplegic Association Manager of Regional Services
• 2009 BCWBS Outstanding Community Support Award Recipient

Other Award Winners

Female Athlete of the Year: Tara Feser
True Sport Award: Danielle Peers

For more info, visit WBC Website.