By Richard Seymour

Richmond, B.C. (Feb. 24, 2011) – The 45th Annual Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards took place at the River Rock Casino in Richmond on Thursday night.

The who’s who of B.C. Sports were in attendance including Bob Lenarduzzi of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Olympic gold medallists Ashleigh McIvor and Maelle Ricker. The event recognizes B.C. amateur athletic achievements from junior level to top international performers in 2010.

The selection committee consists of 25 members including Tom Larscheid, Steve Armitage and “Miss 604” Rebecca Bollwitt.

The night kicked off with the Presidents’ Awards Recipients – which honours and celebrates the spirit of volunteerism from each Sport BC member organization.

The Athlete of the Year Awards has a rich 45-year history of honouring world class athletes such as Rick Hansen, Terry Fox, Nancy Greene-Raine, Trevor Linden and Steve Nash – among many, many more. 2010 was no exception with the following people honoured:

Athlete with a Disability – Lauren Woolstencroft, Para-Alpine Skiing
Coach of the Year – Doug Reimer, Volleyball
High School Female Athlete of the Year – Rowena Cacapit, Wrestling
High School Male Athlete of the Year – David McKay, Athletics – Pole Vault
College Athlete of the Year – Alex Basso, Volleyball
Masters Athlete of the Year – Carol Peters, Triathalon
Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Christine Wong, Golf
Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Adam Svensson, Golf
Daryl Thompson Award – Ray Carter, Baseball
University Athlete of the Year – Arjan Bhullar, Wrestling
Harry Jerome Comeback Award – Tessa Beauchamp, Basketball
Official of the Year Award – Steve Seibel, Basketball
Team of the Year – UBC Women’s Volleyball
Community Champion – Denny Morrison, Speed Skating
Senior Female Athlete of the Year – Maelle Ricker, Snowboard cross
Senior Male Athlete of the Year – Duncan Keith, Ice Hockey

Congratulations to the winners and nominees!