Queen Elizabeth isn't the only one celebrating a special anniversary this year. The South Burnaby Metro Club was founded in 1952 and also plans to mark turning 60 with special events and programs in 2012.
In September, 1952 a small group of men met in the basement of the Clinton United Church to form the South Burnaby Mens' Club, which later became known as the South Burnaby Metro Club. This small group recognized that the community needed sports activities for its youth and by 1953 was actively developing a baseball program by acquiring a park (Bonsor Park) and setting up the fields, dugouts and bleachers needed.
Over the years, the men and women of SBMC have continued to be active in pursuing the interests of the youth of the community: installing lights at Bonsor Park, helping build Ron McLean Park, building the church at Burnaby village and helping the City of Burnaby acquire the land needed for the current Bonsor Recreation Centre to name a few. SBMC has sponsored various youth activities and sports, including scouts, field hockey and boxing. It currently sponsors three major sports: a soccer, basketball and baseball programs.
For many years SBMC has awarded bursaries (named the "Les Tarnowski Bursary" after a long-time member,) of $500 to worthy participants from its three principal sports. Last year, there were two winners, Lazar Cuk for basketball and Lucas Sweda for soccer.
To help mark its 2012 anniversary year, SBMC has decided to increase the scholarships for this year to $1,000. Youth who have played sports with SBMC can get information on this year's Scholarships from members of the SBMC executive or from school councillors.
