Athletic pursuits and sports competitions are among the chief reasons visitors and resident choose the Sea to Sky Corridor, and it's largely thanks to tireless organizers that the area has become a popular recreational destination.
On May 12, Sport BC acknowledged the efforts of six such dedicated sports volunteers during an awards ceremony in Whistler.
"The dedication of these individuals has allowed athletes and communities to grow and shape sport in British Columbia and inspire others to become involved in sport," stated the organization's press release.
Garibaldi Highlands Elementary teacher Lisa Manzini was the sole Squamish resident honoured with the "Sports Hero" title for her 14 years of coaching children toward mountain biking excellence.
"It was a nice evening," said Manzini of the event. "It's excellent to be acknowledged for what I do in the community."
Manzini is also the organizer behind Pedal to the Metal - a kids' mountain biking series that gives kids a taste of the grueling Test of Metal. The final two Pedal to the Metal racers gather at Don Ross Secondary on Thursdays June 3 and June 10.
Proving her determination all the more, Manzini returned from the ceremony with one thing in mind: "Now it's back to the [Pedal to the Metal] bike races."
Manzini's anonymous nomination submission showed a dedication toward sports in innumerable ways.
"Lisa supports healthy living in local schools and promotes physical activity, physical education and healthy eating best practices through her work as an Action Schools! BC Regional Trainer," it states.
"Going above and beyond her duties as an elementary PE specialist at Garibaldi Highlands Elementary, Lisa has organized the district-wide track and field and volleyball tournaments, as well as extra-curricular sporting events for children in the Whistler-Squamish communities."
And the achievements don't end there.
"A competitive telemark skier, she competed in the World Championships in 1995. As a ski enthusiast, she taught skiing at Whistler-Blackcomb for over 20 years."
Finally, Manzini is now volunteering her time to help coach her five-year-old son's soccer team.
Among the six Sport Heroes, Sport BC also acknowledged Peter Shrimpton and Dave Robson, whose recent accomplishments included organizing and coaching a winning team of corridor boys from Squamish to Pemberton.
"I was surprised and delighted," said Shrimpton, "but mostly honoured because like so many I do this volunteer work without the expectation of recognition, knowing that it is vital for a healthy community life, and aware that one gets back multiple times what one gives, in terms of joy and satisfaction."
Shrimpton said he's wished to see many more dedicated volunteers on the list -incuding his wife Susan who dedicates "10 times more" to the Whistler skating club. However he was very pleased to see his friend and sport colleague Robson acknowledged.
"Dave Robson personifies excellence in coaching, as he is completely selfless with his time, has infinite patience, emphasizes good sportsmanship above all else, and seems able to monitor and address each player's issues."
Also acknowledged were Whistler residents Karin Jarratt for her dedication to gymnastics, Bernard Messageur for his involvement in soccer and Delores Los for her skiing initiatives.
