One was surprised. One was flabbergasted. Both are very deserving.
Two North Okanagan women have been recognized by Sport B.C. for their dedication to their respective sports.
Lake Country’s Barb Silvester and Spallumcheen’s Carolyn Farris were presented with President’s Awards from, respectively, B.C. Golf and the Horse Council of B.C. at the 48th annual Sports B.C. Athlete of the Year banquet March 5 in Vancouver.
“I was totally shocked and surprised,” said Silvester, a longtime (now retired) Vernon teacher and member at the Vernon Golf and Country Club since 1976. “I volunteer because I enjoy doing it. If you didn’t enjoy it, you wouldn’t do it.”
Not only does Silvester, who plays ladies day every Tuesday, volunteer at the club level, she has served the women of Zone 2, holding many positions within the zone, including chair.
She became a director of B.C. Golf in 2004 and currently serves on the zone council.
At Vernon, Silvester has been business ladies captain, secretary, president of the ladies section and has served multiple terms on the board of directors. She has also spent countless hours organizing and conducting club events.
Silvester is also a certified Level 3 rules official.
Farris has been a very active volunteer in her community.
She joined the Armstrong Riding Club and served as secretary, treasurer and president. The South Central Quarter Horse association was also fortunate enough to have Farris volunteering during competitions as ring clerk, show manager, announcer and any job needing done.
“I was absolutely flabbergasted, but very honoured,” said Farris of her award. “I hadn’t expected it in any way, shape or form, so it was really something special to be recognized.”
Farris’ hard work and commitment carried on after she was elected to the B.C. Quarter Horse Association board, and of course went on to serve as president, secretary and treasurer. From this provincial association, she was appointed to sit on the Horse Council B.C. board as the affiliate representative.
Both women have special connections to the award.
Farris’ father, Bill, was given the exact same award in 1997 for his work with the Horse Council of B.C.
“Like father, like daughter, that’s so special,” said Farris.
One year earlier – on the exact same date, March 5, she received her honour – Silvester’s oldest daughter, Trish, was given a President’s Award for her volunteer work with B.C. Rugby.
”It’s wonderful,” said Silvester of the coincidence.
“I was so pleased when she was recognized. To receive it as well, mother and daughter, I think it’s terrific.”
