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February 28, 2025

2025 BC Sport Presidents' Awards

Since its inception in 1994, Sport BC’s Presidents' Awards acknowledge, promote and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism. Sporting organizations across the province use this award to thank an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to their sport.

This year, the soccer recipient of the 2025 Sport BC President’s Award is Stuart Wright, longtime Chair of the Central Okanagan Youth Soccer Association (COYSA), and current day Past Chair. 

Originally from the United Kingdom, Wright played soccer for over 15 years, coached his three children for over 12 years and has been refereeing for over seven years. All while serving as District Chair with COYSA for nearly six years. 

“His progressive, flexible and dedicated volunteer service has helped make soccer better for over 30 years.” Says BC Soccer’s Chief Executive Officer, Gabriel Assis. “Helping facilitate the game though the pandemic and not only retaining numbers but exceeding beyond the pre-pandemic numbers is not an easy act.” 

Stuart Wright and the Presidents' Awards winners from other sports will be honoured on Thursday, March 6th at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver as Sport BC hosts the 57th edition of the Athlete of the Year Awards. The complete list of recipients can be found here.

Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Their goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia, ensuring everyone can thrive. Through the KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and BC Women & Sport programs, along with their services, Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits; Sport BC supports over seventy plus member organizations.

BC Soccer Association

Established in 1904, BC Soccer is the largest provincial sports organization (PSO) in BC and the third largest soccer-specific PSO in Canada with over 150,000 participants, consisting of registered players, coaches, referees, administrators and soccer leaders. As a professional not-for-profit society and a member of Canada Soccer, BC Soccer is committed to providing the widest opportunities for existing and potential participants, as well as provide support in the most effective and appropriate way for current players, parents, volunteers, member clubs, leagues, and districts.

Safe Sport Statement

BC Soccer believes that everyone involved in soccer has the right to participate in safe and inclusive environments free of abuse, harassment, discrimination, and to enjoy the sport at whatever level or capacity they participate in. The welfare of everyone involved in soccer is the foremost consideration and in particular, the protection of children in the sport is the responsibility of everyone involved.