Volunteers recognized at KLSRC’s 2nd annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner
Kevin Tysiak, Lori Grills, and Bernice Mitchell were presented with Volunteer of the Year awards at the 2nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner hosted by the Kawartha Lakes Sport and Recreation Council. Lindsay Wildcats Basketball was also recognized as Volunteer Association of the Year for their work over the past 20 years to ensure opportunities for any child to play with their “no child turned away” policy.
The event was held Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the Lindsay Golf and Country Club.
Lindsay Wildcats, Volunteer Organization of the Year
Tysiak was recognized for spending the past 4 years developing, coaching and instructing female players, as well as rigorous efforts on the executive, for the Kawartha Lakers Softball Association. His admirable commitment to youth athletics comes solely from a passion for the game of softball and a desire to see players develop both on and off the field. Tysiak’s devotion was expressed by nominator, Tyler Jenkins, who notes that Tysiak’s selfless commitment has included mentoring several Lakers coaches, all while not having a child playing in the organization.
Award winner, Kevin Tysiak
Grills was commended for her dedication to the Kawartha Lakes Soccer Club, acting as a team manager, as well as the club’s secretary. She was nominated by Steve Hayman, who praised Grills’ impact as a positive role model for the girls she coaches, acting also as a friend and confidant as they have grown from young girls into women in our community. Grills has been also been a driving force in growing the Inferno rep soccer grogram from 1 team to 12 over the last ten years.
Award winner, Lori Grills
Mitchell not only acts as Volunteer Coordinator for Therapeutic Horse Riding in Lindsay (THRIL), she’s also hands on, leading and sidewalking with the riders who come for their therapy riding lessons. Her nominator, Kelly Russell, applauded Mitchell’s volunteering of at least 3 days a week with the organization, as well as noting her frequent attendance at bowling and basketball games for the special needs community additionally. Mitchell’s generous spirit, infections laugh and an almost endless energy and positive outlook have inspired those around her to the point that even the horses look for her!
Award winner, Bernie Mitchell
Other nominees recognized for their efforts were Rolf and Diane Martens (Fenelon Falls Curling Club), Greg Murphy (Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute / Lindsay Minor Hockey Association / “Sunday Night Basketball Program”), and Karen Brasier of the Lindsay Lightningbolts Swim Club.
To compliment the awards, there were also three presentations from partner organizations at the event. Sandy Creighton from the Lindsay Gymnastics Centre spoke about their collaboration with JumpStart, expressing the benefits of introducing more kids to gymnastics, and the fundamental movement skills children need to learn to stay active for life. Following Creighton, was Rob Cyr (Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes) who spoke about some new and innovative programs they have considered – some of which will be introduced in the coming year. Finally, Merla McGill (Community Living Kawartha Lakes) presented the successful HELMS project (Healthy Energy Learning Motivation thru Sports). The HELMS project addresses the lack of opportunities for people supported by Community Living to participate in all kinds of sports.
The KLSRC is a volunteer organization committed to the enhancement and promotion of sport, recreation and healthy active living opportunities for all citizens of the City of Kawartha Lakes. Among its goals are too support the growth of sport and recreation in CKL by providing a network for sport organizations to share resources and expertise.
Over the coming years, KLSRC will continue its work towards the integration of physical literacy and Long Term Athlete Development into quality opportunities for all to be active in the CKL.
The organization is looking for volunteers and community partners with an interest in developing physical literacy and observing positive outcomes in health, education and community development.
The 2nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner was made possible with thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, event sponsor Arbor Tech Tree Care and Service Inc., award sponsor the A to Z Group – Ari Zider, Broker and supporting sponsors the Lindsay Golf and Country Club, Lahay Creative, Lindsay Sportsline, and Dulux Paints.
For more information contact KLSRC co-ordinator Gary Pearson at 705-324-4493 ext. 237 or by email at gpearson@klsrc.mydev.ca.