This is National Volunteer Week across Canada and Chilliwack’s Michelle Savich is being recognized for her tireless work growing the sport of field hockey.
The Mt. Slesse middle school teacher is profiled as a feature volunteer on the Field Hockey Canada website.
In the piece she talks about why she’s so passionate about field hockey.
“The sport was just so different when it was introduced to me, like nothing I had ever seen or played before,” she enthused. “The pace, the gamesmanship and the uniqueness of the sport just add to the aura of it all. The sport is so special because of the people I have been able to work with and play against.
“It is such a unique community. Those moments, the relationships and lasting friendships are what makes the sport so special for me.”
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Savich has a lengthy list of volunteer activities.
She’s the president of the Chilliwack Pink Panthers, coaching the U13, U15 and U18 girls teams. She’s currently working to add a boys team to the mix.
Savich is the commissioner of field hockey in the Eastern Valley School Sport Association. She coaches at Mt. Slesse and at Sardis secondary, where her Falcons were ranked No. 16 in the province this year.
She’s also a ranked technical official by the FIH, the Fédération Internationale de Hockey.
In addition to all that, Savich is also a Distinguished Past President of the Sardis Kiwanis Club, which during her tenure was twice nominated for non-profit of the year by the Chilliwack Business Improvement Association.
“Empowerment,” she said in the Field Hockey Canada article when asked why she does all of these things. “Where there is a will, there is a way, where there is motivation there is determination and where there is investment there are rewards. Each and every personal and collective victory our athletes have, that is the motivation.
“I was so fortunate to have so many amazing volunteer coaches throughout my life, providing me with opportunities I could never imagine. Coaching, volunteering and making opportunities happen for others is my way of paying it forward and making the days a whole lot better.”
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