Account Login/Registration

Access KelownaNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

Kelowna honours outstanding residents with 41st civic and community awards gala

The 41st annual Civic and Community Awards Gala took place this Wednesday at the Kelowna Community Theatre. From emotional acceptance speeches to roaring celebratory cheers this awards ceremony is going to be talked about for years to come.

The Civic and Community Awards are held in order to recognize local people for their contributions to the community through volunteering or bringing recognition to the city. With over 17 categories, 50 finalists were nominated for awards like Champion for the Environment or Female and Male Athlete of the Year.

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who>

The ceremony started with opening remarks from Maxine Dehart.

Before making her exit she introduced "The Good Time Entertainers," a local choir who sings regularly at numerous establishments in the city for senior citizens.

Following the performance, the master of ceremonies, Chanine Carr from EZRock, and Pat Kennedy, Managing Director of the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame, then began to introduce the awards and their recipients.

In addition to the Mayor's Gala that had taken place on April 18, finalists were also recognized with one-minute biographical presentation talking about each nominee’s achievements before the announcement of the winner.

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who>

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who> The Good Time Entertainers

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who> Chanine Carr and Pat Kennedy

The recipients of the Athlete of the year awards Kierra Smith and Will Dean were unable to attend the night's festivities but sent in a video acceptance speech as well as had family members accept on their behalf. The two talented athletes were unable to attend due to the fact that they are away training for the Rio Olympics taking place the summer of 2016.

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who> Kierra Smith's acceptance video

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who> Will Dean's acceptance video.

The two awards everyone was most anxious to hear about were the Sarah Donalda Treadgold Memorial Award - Woman of the Year Award and the Fred Macklin Memorial Award - Man of the Year Award.

Raghwa Gopal was the recipient of Man of the Year for many reasons, such as his volunteer work with students at the Okanagan College. In his acceptance speech, Gopal thanked his family and friends as well as the city to which he commented, “I have traveled to many corners of the world and I can say with confidence that Kelowna is one of the best places to live”

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who>

Lorena Mead was the Recipient of Woman of the Year for her notable work with the Kelowna Grizzlies softball team.

She was so ecstatic as the special Olympics softball team had gained so much recognition this year. Fellow coach Dennis Richardson was also recognized as the recipient of the Bob Giordano Memorial Award, as well as the whole team had been nominated for the Bryan Couling Memorial Athletic Team of the Year Award.

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who>

To finish off the night, there was one final award to be given out, and the recipient had no idea that they would be receiving it.

The Anita Tozer Memorial Award is given to an individual or group in recognition of an extraordinary and positive contribution to the quality of life in Kelowna. The award was presented by Mayor Basran and the councilors. The recipient this year was none other than former Kelowna Mayor, Sharon Shepherd for her work with getting the H20 center and advocating for people with disabilities.

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who>

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who>

“It came as a shock but I am very honoured to receive this award and that the council decided to recognize me,” said Shepherd.

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who>

The night was definitely one to remember for all who were in attendance and it will be the reason behind many big smiles in our community today.

<who>Photo Credit: KelownaNow</who>

To see other recipients of awards click here, and for more photos of the event click here.



If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.

If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.



weather-icon
Thu
12℃

weather-icon
Fri
12℃

weather-icon
Sat
12℃

weather-icon
Sun
15℃

weather-icon
Mon
17℃

weather-icon
Tue
16℃

current feed webcam icon

Recent Livestream




Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on Youtube Listen on Soundcloud Follow Our TikTok Feed Follow Our RSS Follow Our pinterest Feed
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy