The Salmonbellies didn’t come home empty handed from the recent B.C. Lacrosse Association annual general meeting in Whistler.
Three New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association volunteers were recognized at the awards banquet on Oct. 18. The BCLA annually presents merit awards to the many lacrosse volunteers representing more than 30 lacrosse associations from across the province who commit their free time to the sport of lacrosse. Three of the sixteen awards went to New Westminster volunteers.
According to a press release from the Salmonbellies, Jamie Stewart was awarded a top honour – the prestigious Tom Gordon Plaque award for BCLA’s Mr. or Ms. Lacrosse.
Stewart has volunteered with New Westminster Minor Lacrosse for the past 15 years and served as its president for 10 years, before moving on to be the general manager for the Junior A and Intermediate A Salmonbellie programs.
As past president for NWMLA, Jamie still plays an integral role in the organization coaching and providing advice to the executive. As Team B.C. coach, Jamie has led numerous teams to become national champions over the years,” said the press release from Evelyn Skelton, administrator with the local association. “As president, Jamie led the charge to have the new wooden floor installed in Queen’s Park Arena in 2006 and was one of the key individuals responsible for the growth of the female lacrosse program in New Westminster and B.C.”
Jason Bishop from New Westminster Minor Lacrosse was awarded the John Cavallin Merit Award for field lacrosse coaching. Bishop has coached both box and field lacrosse with New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association for the past nine years, most recently leading his bantam box lacrosse team to a provincial championship in July 2014 and being an assistant coach for the bantam boys’ Team B.C.
“Jason is considered one of our very best coaches and heads both box and field teams each season,” said the press release. “His endless patience with the players and passion for the sport along with his desire to help kids learn the game in both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse is tremendous. Jason has also taken on the executive role of head coach in the past year. He is continually trying to find the best qualified coaches for our box and field teams while also coaching and organizing additional clinics for the players.”
Barb Beale was awarded the Hugh Gifford Merit Award (Box & Field Lacrosse) for Manager of the Year.
“In the past year, Barb Beale was a division manager for both field and box lacrosse, a team manager for field and box lacrosse, as well as, manager for the bantam boys’ Team B.C. box lacrosse team. The Team B.C. box lacrosse team she managed had a very successful run during the nationals held in New Westminster and Coquitlam in Aug. 2014 losing only to Ontario in the gold-medal match,” said the press release. “Barb’s leadership and enthusiasm as a manager and fundraiser for the team makes the team she manages a bonded group both on and off the lacrosse floor.”
Two other locals received Presidents Awards: Ross Guthrie (New Westminster Field Lacrosse) and Aaron Wildgrove (New Westminster Minor Lacrosse). Congrats to all.
Sister city visit wraps up
Four teens from Lijiang, China made memories in New Westminster they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
Each year, four students from New Westminster’s sister city in Lijiang, China come to the Royal City for several weeks. While here, they attend school and learn about New Westminster and Canada.
“When I think of Canada, I will think of New Westminster and the people here, making me feel so important,” one of the girls recently told city council.
For the girls taking part in the exchange, they are often the first people from their cities to fly internationally.
Coun. Lorrie Williams, who has been the catalyst behind the exchange, visited Lijiang and helped with the interviews.
“In the evening they have to do their Chinese homework,” Williams noted. “They are not going to be behind when they get home.”
The girls, who are top English students in their schools, are the seventh group of students to have visited New Westminster.
“Thank you so much for giving us this chance,” said one of the students. “I have learned so much about your country and your culture.”
Jingle for a cause
New Westminster residents are invited to support the Arthritis Society at an upcoming event.
The Jingle Bell Walk and Run for Arthritis is taking place on Sunday, Nov. 16 with a route around the Inn at the Quay. Organizers promise a crowd-pleasing family event.
“So mark it on your calendars and register online now to be part of the fun,” said a press release from the Arthritis Society. “Then plan on wearing your liveliest holiday-themed costume, or treat the crowd to your favourite ugly holiday sweater.”
Prizes will be awarded for best and most imaginative getup. People are invited to walk, run, roll or stroll the one- or five-kilometre route with their friends, family or co-workers – and their four-legged friends, too.
The Jingle Bell Walk and Run for Arthritis also includes a visit from Santa, hot chocolate and cookies.
Do you have an item for Around Town? Send ideas from around the community to Theresa, [email protected]. You can also find her on Twitter, @TheresaMcManus.
