Kelowna posted Feb 22, 2026 @ 10:00am by Contributed by the PacificSport Okanagan

Here are the recipients of Kelowna's 25th annual Community Sport Hero awards

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, community members gathered in the Mary Irwin Theatre (Rotary Centre of the Arts) to recognize the 25th Annual Community Sport Hero award recipients.

At this year’s reception, PacificSport Okanagan and the City of Kelowna were pleased to recognize several local sport leaders and athletes for their outstanding contributions to sport within our community, demonstrating innovation, leadership and excellence within their sport.

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed

Congratulations to the following 2026 Community Sport Hero Awards Recipients:

SPORT LEADERS

Daryle Assman – Central Okanagan Minor Baseball Association
Kyla Inaba – Predator Ridge Resort Golf Academy
Susan Griffiths –International Children’s Games
Tannis Andersen – Okanagan Athletics Club
Sasha Carter, Dave Stephenson, and Tanya Stroinig – Brier Organizing Committee
Kasey Wright – UBCO Women’s Softball

ATHLETES

Noah Watters – GW Hoops Basketball
Annika Gross – UBCO Women’s Soccer
Cheyenne Simicak - UBCO Women’s Softball
Cassidy Bank – Ball Hockey Junior National Team
Felix Bergeron – Vikings Weightlifting Club
Isobel Babcock – Team BC Ringette
Finley Cashin – Canadian National Ski Team
Ashtin Callaghan – RHKA Karate

SPORT HOSTING

2025 Firestorm BMX Nationals – Hosted by Kelowna BMX Club

Alongside the recognition of local sport heroes, the 2026 Community Sport Hero Awards Reception also took time to celebrate Okanagan athletes who will be representing the region at the 2026 BC Winter Games, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano, Italy.

The Olympians and Paralympians recognized included Natalie Wilkie (Para Nordic Skiing), Elena Gaskell (Freestyle Skiing), Ina Forrest (Wheelchair Curling), Tess Critchlow (Snowboard Cross), Daniel Hall (Speed Skating) and Laura Hall (Speed Skating).

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