Sport Aurora honours Aurora’s top volunteers

October 21, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

With over thirty member organizations now under the Sport Aurora banner, it’s clear how important volunteering has been in establishing its presence over the past decade.

That is why, for the fifth year, Sport Aurora has honoured the top volunteers within the sporting community in a special ceremony at East Side Mario’s on Bayview Avenue.

Almost one hundred friends, family, and colleagues packed the venue to recognize eighteen volunteers who have gone out of their way to ensure the growth of sports within Aurora.

Mayor Geoff Dawe was on hand to congratulate the award recipients, as well as Councillors John Abel and Michael Thompson.

“It’s such a huge benefit to our Town to have a group of such enthusiastic volunteers,” said Mayor Dawe. “We’re proud of our sporting community in Aurora [and] I think we provide a model for others to follow.”

Volunteers from fourteen different organizations were recognized. Recipients were Storm Volleyball’s Mike Jones and Teodora Durca, Aurora Senior Association’s Richard Howard, York North Basketball’s Sean Doran and Nathan Wilmets, Evolution Gymnastics’ Warren Bisbee and Tyler Hotte, Aurora Lawn Bowling Club’s Gary Joyce, Redbirds Lacrosse Club’s Steve McNaught and Michael Rollings, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame’s Bob McRoberts, Special Olympics Ontario’s Nancy Shaw, Aurora Men’s Slo-Pitch’s Paul Watts, Central York Girls Hockey’s Heather Clarke, Ducks Swimming Club’s Nicole Pignatelli, York Oldtimers Hockey League’s Norm Sanford, Aurora Diggers’ Trudy Stunden, and Aurora King Baseball Association’s Craig Deasley.

Lindsay O’Connor, host of International Sports Report on radio station FAN590, was the guest speaker for the event.

“You can never overlook the role that sports can play in a community,” said O’Connor. “And volunteers are at the heart of it. You all should be proud of what you do.”

Next up for Sport Aurora is the annual Aurora Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner, set to be held November 4 at St. Andrew’s College.