The impact and success of the Richmondbased Dynamo Fencing Club has been recognized by Sport B.C. through its 48th annual Athlete of the Year Awards.
Dylan French is one of three finalists for Male Junior Athlete of the Year as the 16- year-old impressive 2013 competitive schedule was highlighted by a 13th place finish in men's epee at last spring's Cadet World Championships in Croatia.
After defeating fourth seed Petr Bradac of the Czech Republic 15-10, French moved onto the round of 16 where he lost to American Jake Raynis 15-12 in a close bout. French also qualified and competed in men's foil where he made it to the round of 64.
"I am very happy and proud to have finished 13th in cadet men's epee," he said at the time. "I was excited that I was able to compete in both foil and epee at this world championships, it was a great experience."
French is up against Kyle Carragher (gymnastics) and Kevin Kwon (golf).
His coach Victor Gantsevich has been recognized for his excellent work developing national level athletes at Dynamo. He is up for Male Coach of the Year, along with Graham Thomas (hockey) and Randy Bennett (swimming).
The 48th annual awards ceremony and gala dinner, set for March 5 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, recognizes BC's best amateur athletes, coaches, and officials for outstanding performances in their sport over the 2013 season.
Nominations are received from the provincial and multi sport organizations, high schools, colleges or universities. Finalists and winners are selected by a committee of 20 highly regarded BC sportswriters, broadcasters, and amateur sport leaders.
"A significant number of very strong nominations were received this year," notes Sport BC's President and CEO, Rob Newman. "The Athlete of the Year Awards provides a great opportunity to recognize these talented and reserving athletes, coaches and officials." For 2013, in partnership with ProMOTION Plus, a Female Coach of the Year Award category was added.
"This year's nominees in all of the award categories are certainly a testament to the strength and depth of sport in our province," added Newman. "So too is the funding support that we have received this year from ViaSport and our other sport and business partners."
