Bryan Couling Memorial Athletic Team of the Year Award

Bryan Couling Memorial Athletic Team of the Year 2023 - Finalists

The 49th annual Civic & Community Awards finalists will be celebrated on April 24 at the Civic & Community Awards Gala, taking place at the Laurel Packinghouse.

Kelowna Ringette Open A 

Ringette might not be as popular in Kelowna as it is in other provinces, but for the second year in a row, the Kelowna Ringette Open A team has proven that popularity doesn’t matter as much as talent. Comprised of former A, AA and Team BC members, this team finished first in the TORL league, then went undefeated in provincials despite having an injured goalie. At the 2023 Western Canadian finals in Winnipeg, the team lost only one game in the round-robin, to the team from Alberta—the same team they went on to beat in the gold medal game. This was the teams’ second year reach the top of the podium at Provincials & Western Canadian finals. 

KSS Owls AAA Boys Volleyball Team 

When the KSS Owls Sr Boys AAA Volleyball Team swept the Valley Championships, Best of the West Tournament and AAA Provincials in 2023, it was a phenomenal accomplishment. What makes it even more impressive is they did the same thing last year AND the year before. When the Owls swooped through seven games undefeated to win gold, the KSS Owls cemented their name into the BC High School Sports history books. This third consecutive Provincial Championship win has never been done before in Boys AAA Volleyball. To share their love of the game, you’ll find team members volunteering and officiating at games, events and camps. 

UBCO Heat Women’s Golf Team 

The game of golf doesn’t usually come first to mind when you think about team sports, but the UBCO Heat Women’s Golf Team is drawing the kind of attention that might just change that. 2023 was a banner year for this team. Entering eight different tournaments, the Heat managed to finish in the top three spot in every single one. On a trip to Nevada, they placed 2nd at the RMC Intercollegiate, and two days later, won the Warrior Invitational before returning home. They finished their season off with a silver at the Western Canadians for the second year in a row, then advanced to win bronze at the Canadian Nationals. 

About the Bryan Couling Memorial Athletic Team of the Year Award

Bryan Couling, sports director for CKIQ radio during the late 1970's and 1980's, became known as the "Voice for Sports" in Kelowna. After suffering a debilitating stroke in 1986, Bryan continued to volunteer and keep up with local sports. Bryan, a sportsman's sportsman, always recognized the effort of the athlete, along with the coaches, parents and managers.  

Bryan passed away in April of 1997.

Award Criteria

• Awarded to the Kelowna based team (amateur or professional) who brought the greatest amount of recognition to Kelowna.
• Past information (awards and achievements) may be included, but should primarily be regarding the current award year.
• Finalist selections are based solely on the information in the completed nomination package.

Nominations for the 49th annual Civic & Community Awards are now closed. Check back in fall 2024 for information about the 50th annual awards nomination period.