Kelowna celebrates its sporting excellence

With the Winter Olympic buzz starting this week, and fresh off the announcement that the Canadian Elite Basketball League will play here this year, Kelowna is celebrating its homegrown athletic talent as well.

Kelowna’s sports community continues to shine on provincial, national, and international stages, thanks to the dedication, talent, and leadership of its athletes and coaches. Sports play a vital role in Kelowna’s identity, building community pride, inspiring youth, and strengthening the city’s culture of excellence.

It’s a culture that attracts numerous world-class sporting events to town, such as the 2025 Brier men’s curling championship, the 2026 Memorial Cup national junior hockey championship, two BC Lions games this summer and hosting the Special Olympics in 2028.

Nominations for the 51st annual Civic & Community Awards are open until Feb. 9. The accomplishments of several standout local athletes and teams highlighted last May at the 50th Civic & Community Awards show just how impactful high-level sporting events can inspire performance and community service.

The OKM Senior Girls Volleyball Team, led by head coach Rob Steciuk, delivered a remarkable season, capturing their second Provincial AAAA Championship in three years. Their dramatic comeback in the final, despite losing a key player, showcased their resilience and determination.

With four tournament wins, a silver medal, and a top four provincial ranking all season, the team’s camaraderie and peer mentorship created a supportive environment that fueled their success. Their achievements continue a legacy that began with their 2022 provincial title and three consecutive Okanagan Valley Championships, inspiring pride throughout the community.

Equally influential is 91-year-old Bill Franzman, affectionately known as “Mr. Pickleball Canada.” Franzman has spent more than two decades growing the sport in Kelowna, teaching more than 3,500 players in 2024 alone and developing resources to help beginners thrive. A founding member of both the Kelowna Pickleball Club and Pickleball Canada, he has made the sport accessible, affordable, and welcoming — especially for seniors.

Rising volleyball star Kylie Olivia Taylor also made waves in 2024. As captain of Team BC and MVP of the AAAA Provincial Championship, she earned multiple gold medals and attracted interest from top U‑Sport and NCAA programs. Her achievements build on an already impressive résumé, including time with Team Canada’s U17 squad.

Multi-sport standout Maya Andruchow excelled in both volleyball and basketball, leading OKM to multiple provincial titles while maintaining a 99 per cent academic average and volunteering at Kelowna General Hospital. Her athletic and academic excellence earned her offers from several universities across Canada.

Kelowna’s athletic pride reached the world stage when Olympic sprinter Jerome Blake won gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2024 Paris Games — Canada’s first in the event since 1996. Raised in Kelowna, Blake’s journey from hurdler to Olympic champion is a testament to perseverance and passion.

Rounding out this exceptional group is Dominic Sodaro, a dual-sport athlete and three-time provincial medalist. As BC’s top setter and a standout basketball scorer, he led KSS teams to major victories and will continue his volleyball career with the UBCO Heat.

Together, these athletes embody Kelowna’s spirit—driven, resilient, and committed to excellence—showing how sport continues to uplift and unite the community.

Do you know someone who has made exceptional artistic contributions to Kelowna? Help us celebrate those who make a difference in our community! Nominate at kelowna.ca/civicawards, nominations close Feb. 9.