Athletes, coaches, builders, administrators and officials were honoured Thursday night at the 20th annual Richmond Sports Awards.
Since 1998, the Richmond Sports Council has recognized excellence and outstanding contributions to athletics in the city.
A night of celebration concluded with the legendary Jim Lamond presenting Paul (Sammy) Morizawa with the Richmond Sports Council Award of Distinction. The ever-popular Coordinator of Parks Programs and Sports in Richmond has worked tirelessly to ensure athletic events and organizations continue to thrive in the city.
The evening’s emcee, councilor Bill McNulty, also acknowledged Lamont as one of 29 provincial-wide recipients of the prestigious 2018 B.C. Community Achievement Award. The founder of the Richmond Sports Council was recognized on Wednesday at the Government House in Victoria.
Other major award winners of the sports awards included Arjan Bhullar joining elite company as a two-winner of the Richmond News Sportsperson of the Year.
In 2010 he was recognized for his freestyle wrestling achievements. This time it was for his MMA career that including a historical win in his UFC debut last September. Three-time winner Brian Johns (swimming) is the only other multiple recipient.
Meanwhile, longtime high school volunteer coach Mike Charlton was the recipient of the Don Fennell Award of Distinction. From badminton to rugby, Charlton has helped so many programs flourish at schools throughout the city, as a teacher and an administrator.
Here’s a rundown of the various winners at the 20th annual Richmond Sports Awards
Athlete
Youth Female: Nancy Liu (Pacific Wave, synchronized swimming).
Youth Male: Ian Ryder (Steveston Judo Club).
High School Female: Dakota Chan (McMath, multi-sport).
High School Male: Carson Bradley (Kajaks, track and field).
Junior Male: Brayden Carpenter (Richmond City Baseball).
Junior Female: Camryn Rogers (Kajaks, track and field).
Post-Secondary Female: Alisha Lau (University of Colorado, golf).
Post-Secondary Male: Cameron Lewis (Richmond City Baseball).
Adult Male: Ryan Reid (Lucky 9 Lanes, bowling).
Adult Male Master: Nam Nguyen (Richmond Rockets, speed skating).
Adult Male Senior: Bill Wang (Richmond Tennis Club)
Special Olympics: Reid Scally (basketball/soccer, Richmond Special Olympics).
Team
Youth Female Team: Generals (Panther Athletics, cheer/dance).
Youth Male Team: U18 Richmond United (Richmond F.C., soccer).
Youth Male Team: Richmond Bantam Raiders (Richmond Minor Football).
Youth Mixed Team: Commanders ((Panther Athletics, cheer/dance).
Adult Team: Richmond All-Blacks (Richmond Adult Soccer Association).
Support
Administrator: Karen Fisher Hagel (Kajaks Track and Field).
Administrator: Matt Mercer (Richmond Adult Soccer Association).
Coach: Kara Kalin Zader (Pacific Wave, synchronized swimming).
Coach: Garrett Collier (Kajaks Track and Field Club).
Official Adult: Prem Gundarah (Richmond F.C., soccer).
Official Youth: Ethan Wong (Richmond City Baseball).
Builder: Keegan Murphy (Connaught Skating Club).
Builder: Raul Verde Rios (Richmond City Baseball).
Builder: Rob Parmar (Richmond Minor Football).
Builder: Jim Brady (Richmond Adult Soccer Association).
Special Awards
Don Fennell Award of Distinction: Mike Charlton (Richmond Secondary Schools Athletic Association).
Richmond News Sportsperson of the Year: Arjan Bhullar (MMA, UFC).
Richmond Sports Council Award of Distinction: Paul Morizawa (City of Richmond).
