It would be safe to call Sarah Charles a natural. Not to mention a hard worker and an exceptional athlete.
Those are just three of the traits that has earned the Kelowna athlete a place in the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame.
Three years after switching from artistic gymnasts to double mini trampoline, Charles was a world champion.
In 2003, at age 17, Charles won her first double mini world crown, then added another gold medal four years later.
She also won gold in 2004 at both the Pan Am Games and Indo-Pacific Games.
Although she was unable to attend in person, Charles was one six inductees for 2015 who were unveiled Thursday morning in Kelowna.
“I think it’s a tremendous honour for her to be recognized in her community, she’s brought a lot of spotlight to the Okanagan and the Okanagan Gymnastics Centre,” said Kari Purvis, a former manager at the Okanagan Gymnastics Centre.
“Sarah was extremely focused, a hard worker, she stayed long hours in the gym and did a lot of training outside of the gym. She was very dedicated, knew what her goals were and worked to achieve them.”
The other inductees are:
• Christie Van Hees—Athlete
Spanning a full decade, Christie Van Hees was one of the most decorated Canadian women ever to pick up a racquet.
A six-time national champion, Van Hees won the world singles racquetball twice in 1998 and 2006 and added a silver medal in 2005.
She was also the No. 1 ranked player in the world in 2005.
Van Hees, who will be making the trip from her home in Dallas, Texas, for the ceremony this fall,
“She was extremely honoured, almost taken aback in the sense that she understands how important it is to be inducted into this Hall of Fame,” said Christie’s dad, Dirk Van Hees. “She was glad that, both she and racquetball got recognized after quite a number of years. She set her goals high and achieved a lot in the sport.”
• Wayne Hicks—Pioneer Athlete
Wayne Hicks is the only hockey player from Kelowna to have his name etched on the Stanley Cup.
Hicks won the NHL title in 1961 as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks.
He played 117 games in the NHL with Chicago, Boston, Montreal, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
“He’s honoured to be mentioned with so many great athletes and people that have come out of the Okanagan,” said Wayne’s brother, Warren Hicks. “He always held a special place for Kelowna and was proud to be member of the Blackhawks.”
• Rod Belinski—Builder
Mention the world volleyball in the Okanagan and few names are more synonymous with the region than Rod Belinski.
As head coach at KLO, he led the Cougars boys to five provincial volleyball titles.
Belinski later coached the Okanagan University College men (1999 to 2005) to a silver medal at provincials and nationals in 2001.
Belinski was instrumental in bringing the B.C. Volleyball championships to Kelowna in 1993 and served as the chair for 19 years.
“You look back on sports career and coaching and being a part of hosting the events and things we did, for me it just so much fun,” Belinski said. “I enjoyed it so much and now to be recognized for something that you love doing, is great.”
• John and Jennifer Hindle—Bennett Award, special recognition
John and Jennifer Hindle have been posthumously recognized for their contributions to athletics throughout the Central Okanagan.
The Hindles founded the Apple Triathlon in 1983, fostered the development of Big White and Silver Star Ski Resorts and, as owners of the Eldorado Hotel, hosted many athletes and sport fundraisers.
“This is a wonderful honour for our family,” said their son, Dan Hindle. “My parents would be humbled by the recognition.”
The Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame induction gala will be held Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Coast Capri Hotel.
