Bob Giordano Memorial Award - Coach or Administrator of the Year

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2023 Bob Giordano Memorial Award - Coach or Administrator of the Year Recipient

Cheryl Browne 

For the past 12 years, Cheryl Browne has been the heart and soul of KidSport Kelowna, and in 2023, helped 130 kids to get off the sidelines and into the game, with grants totalling close to $31,000. Since its inception, KidSport Kelowna has sponsored 1,722 grants—all of which had to cross Cheryl’s desk—for a whopping total of $314,388. From hosting events and recruiting volunteers to fundraising and processing applications, Cheryl has been the name, face and passion behind the Kelowna chapter of this national non-profit organization, helping to level the playing field so all kids can play. 

 

About the Bob Giordano Memorial Award for Coach of the Year

The name Bob Giordano was synonymous with hockey in the Central Okanagan in the 1950's and 60's. Giordano wasn't known for his athletic prowess; it was his organizational skills and enthusiasm for the game that made him an indispensable part of the local sporting fabric. Bob truly loved to share his time and talent with the young people of Kelowna.  

Bob passed away in October 1965.

Award Criteria

  • Awarded to an individual who has contributed significantly to Kelowna through voluntary service to amateur sport, such as coaching or administrative support. 
  • Selections are based on the nominee's achievements/contributions for the year 2023.
  • Past information can be included but should primarily be regarding the current award year.
  • Nominees must not have personally benefitted from their volunteer activities, nor should the contributions be considered part of their normal employment or job responsibilities.
  • Selections are based solely on the information in the completed nomination package.

Check back in fall 2024 for information about the 50th annual awards nomination period.

Past Recipients of the Award
  • 2022 - Trevor Haaheim
  • 2021 - Mike Sodaro
  • 2020 - Meghan Faust
  • 2019 - Darcy Rysz
  • 2018 - Devin Rubadeau
  • 2017 - Linda McIntosh
  • 2016 - Kendall Gross
  • 2015 - Dennis Richardson
  • 2014 - Tom Maxwell
  • 2013 - Dino Gini
  • 2012 - Hal Hennenfent
  • 2011 - Tony Sodaro
  • 2010 - Terry Britton
  • 2009 - Arnar Bernhardsson
  • 2008 - Dan Wray
  • 2007 - Garth Vickers
  • 2006 - Dave McClellan 
  • 2005 - Jane Fairey 
  • 2004 - Ross Sutcliffe
  • 2003 - Ken Wilson
  • 2002 - Lloyd Nelson
  • 2001 - Jennifer Charles
  • 2000 - Kevin Davies
  • 1999 - Joan Schemley
  • 1998 - Jack May
  • 1997 - Bob Bazzet
  • 1996 - Larry Keating
  • 1995 - Alex Recsky
  • 1994 - Mike VanTighem
  • 1993 - Bob Harris
  • 1992 - Bob Brooks
  • 1991 - John Aquirre
  • 1990 - Bernie Monteleone
  • 1989 - Lawrence Nagy
  • 1988 - Amerigo Corrado
  • 1987 - Dan Martell
  • 1986 - Don Buchan
  • 1985 - Ron Swail
  • 1984 - Harold Long
  • 1983 - Wayne Horning
  • 1981 - Doug Amundurd
  • 1980 - Jan Pachotzuk
  • 1979 - John Nelson 
  • 1978 - G.D. Cameron 
  • 1977 - Sig Ottenbreit
  • 1976 - Bob Harrison
  • 1975 - Art Fisher
  • 1974 - Wilf Hoffman
  • 1973 - Chuck Jordan
  • 1972 - Hank Tostenson
  • 1971 - Norah George
  • 1970 - Don McIntyre
  • 1968 - Bryan Robinson
  • 1967 - Jack Hatch
  • 1966 - Joe Mansfield