Bob Giordano Memorial Award - Coach of the Year

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Bob Giordano Memorial Award - Coach or Administrator 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.

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. 

Jan Martens 

As a member of the Kelowna Curling Club for over 30 years, Jan Martens has been instrumental behind the scenes in the women’s league. She joined the board of directors in 2017 and became president in 2022. Additionally, Jan first got involved with Major Men’s Fastball when she began as a server in the beer garden in 1986. Two years later, she was instrumental in bringing the Canadian National Fastball Championship to Kings Stadium. Over the past few decades, she’s served as a director, secretary, Vice-President and Treasurer and for the past two years, has been President of KMMFA. 

Paul Brain 

Paul’s positivity and love for Ultimate, also known as Ultimate Frisbee or Ultimate Flying Disc, is infectious and during his three-year tenure as President of the Kelowna Ultimate Players Society, he has helped regrow the sport and bring more awareness to the game. In addition to facilitating year-round programming, in 2023, Paul led the organizing of two Ultimate tournaments in Kelowna: the Sunflicker tournament and the Canadian Ultimate Championships. Ultimate is played without referees, so honesty among players is expected. It’s called, “spirit of the game” and is a code Paul carries with him both on and off the field. 

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 nominees achievements/contributions for the year 2023.
  • Past information can be included, but should primarily be regarding the current award year.
  • Nominees must no 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.

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.

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