Ryan Graham, Observer Reporter
President Angela Swyers of the Quesnel Waveriders was recently named winner of the Legacy Sports Difference Maker award at the Fan the Flame Awards Banquet in Prince George Feb. 9.
The award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to sport in Northern B.C.
“There were 10 or 12 nominees from the north so it’s pretty neat to be recognized, not only in the sport of swimming but overall,” Swyers said.
She was very impressed with the whole evening, especially the presentation keynote speaker Scott Russell from CBC delivered to the crowd.
“He did a presentation on sports and the difference it makes in people’s lives and talked about his experience at the Olympic Games,” Swyers said.
“It was a pretty emotional night and he touched on the difference a sport can make in a child’s life and how it can make their life better.”
She adds having Russell come to the north was great.
“It’s good to get more exposure to some of the different types of sports we have here.”
Swyers said she’s always known how big of a difference sports makes in children’s lives.
“My children are pretty active in sports in the community so I’ve always known that it has made a difference in their lives,” Swyers said.
“I always thought that it’s important to be a part of something to try and make themselves better and this just reiterates it. They talked a lot about barriers and how you don’t have to be number one as long as you are trying to be better and what that can do for you as you become an adult.”
She added the presentation also touched on how successful the north has been.
“We have a lot of opportunities like the Centre of Sports Excellence in Prince George and the soccer facility here in Quesnel,” Swyers said.
Swyers has been with the Waveriders from the beginning and recognizes what an impact the club has had on its members, but stresses it’s not all about winning with the Waveriders.
“We want as many kids to be comfortable in the water as possible,” Swyers said.
“The kids can also use the club as an exercise tool and lifestyle choice. Of course there are medals but really we strive to make sure they are improving each time, whether you are on the podium or if you completed a very tough race for the first time. That’s what’s important to us.”
For more information on the Waveriders you can visit quesnelwaveriders.ca.
