Sixteen talented athletes and outstanding community leaders were recognized with a Coast Capital Savings Athlete Bursary at the Closing Ceremony of the 2014 BC Summer Games in Nanaimo.

Among the 16 recipients was Cranbrook resident and rower Zoe Chore.

The bursary recipients were chosen from over 350 applicants for their significant achievements in sport and education and most importantly for their leadership contributions to their schools, community, or sport associations. The athletes are from 16 different communities around the province and their leadership involvement includes service with student councils, community events, food banks, fundraising, coaching, and officiating, to name a few.

“Coast Capital Savings is committed to building a richer future for youth in the communities where we live and work,” said Maureen Young, Manager, Community Partnerships for Coast Capital Savings. “These young athletes have demonstrated dedication and commitment to their sport, their communities, and their schooling. We’re thrilled to be able to contribute to their future goals with the presentation of these bursaries.”

Cranbrook’s Zoe Chore was part of the Kootenays rowing team at the BC Summer Games and is also an accomplished ski racer.  Chore works with a variety of community events and encourages her friends to get involved.

“I am helping today but, more importantly I am setting myself up for a lifetime of volunteerism because I want to shape a positive future. Volunteering is fun, it helps communities grow and I don’t think a community would function without volunteers,” she said.

Amanda Heizne of Prince George represented the Cariboo North East in athletics. Heizne has volunteered her time helping special needs children as well as being involved with her local 4-H club. “Working within my community is very important.  Without volunteers, we would not have the opportunities that we do, so I try and help where and when I can,” she said.

Matthew Armstrong of Surrey competed in volleyball for the Fraser Valley at the 2014 BC Summer Games.  He has over 415 hours of community service through coaching, summer camps and launching a new volleyball club.  “Sport, education, and volunteer work are all strong areas of interest for me,” said Armstrong.  He is focusing on his studies in science and math in order to attend university.

The BC Summer Games are an important opportunity for athlete development, but through sport, these athletes are also learning lifelong skills of commitment and leadership.  “The response to this bursary opportunity shows that these athletes are not only leaders on the field of play but also in their home communities,” said Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society.  “We were impressed with the involvement of these young leaders and are proud to call them all BC Games alumni.”

Below is the full list of recipients of the Coast Capital Savings Athlete Bursary for the 2014 BC Summer Games:

Name	Hometown	Sport
Matthew Armstrong	Surrey	Volleyball
Nolan Badovinac	Port Alberni	Wrestling
Zoe Chore	Cranbrook	Rowing
Sydney Fetterly	Abbotsford	Basketball
Amanda Heinze	Prince George	Athletics
Nisa Hofer	Burns Lake	Canoe/Kayak
Dylan Joyce	Chetwynd	Swimming
Erika Lieu	Burnaby	Soccer
Tanner Lorenson	Vernon	Volleyball – Beach
Samuel Matthew	Nelson	Swimming
Trent Monkman	Telkwa	Volleyball – Beach
Kristen Schulz	North Vancouver	Athletics
Maxwell Stalling	Delta	Lacrosse – Field
Jay Taylor	Kelowna	Baseball
Ryan Watt	Vancouver	Rowing
Alice Young	Duncan	Equestrian

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