Greyhounds members and their guests arrived just before 5pm to socialize in the Oak Banquet Room at Newland’s Golf Course before the evening’s dinner and award presentations began. (see link for photos)

Waiting at the entrance were Harold Morioka and Jessica to greet everyone upon arrival and give them a raffle ticket for the evening.  Rob Smith (Master of Ceremony) kept things in order throughout the evening and even entertained (along with Paul Gibbons-Smyth) with a song that you may soon hear on the radio “Fly Like a Greyhound”.

The club executive, managers and coaches were acknowledged before the Early Bird Greyhounds Registration winner was announced:  Martin Kariya was the winner of a new Greyhounds Jacket!

Table #s were called but most did not have to wait too long to line up for their buffet Prime Rib dinner.  Various salads, seafood, vegetables and such were made available.  A number went back for seconds (or thirds) with many also enjoying the variety of desserts presented.

After dinner, Coach Sam gave his coach’s report for the 2022 season mentioning a number of the various track and field meets attended, the many strong performances were noted and our very own Greyhounds BC Athletic officials were acknowledged.  In closing he stated, “We are in the final stretch of a year that will be difficult for many to forget, but let's choose to finish with the energy we carried throughout the year and train hard for a successful 2023 season.

Be proud of yourselves because YOU make up this club.  There are different levels of ability in every event and age group.  Know that you are ALL valued and appreciated because you all bring something individual to the table”.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD

DEANNA CLARK

LUIZ BALCERS

FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARDS:

JUMPS

CINDY O'BRIEN HUGH

EDWIN LIU

THROWS

ROSE HARE

JOE HILL

TRACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD 

CAROL MONTGOMERY

MARK STEWART

ROAD RUNNING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD

JULIE VALENTE

KELLY SHARP

MOST IMPROVED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD

MARINA KHONINA

SUSAN CHOW

ALAN ESSEX

MOST OUTSTANDING ATHLETE  OF THE YEAR AWARD 

CHRISTA BORTIGNON

REIDAR ZAPF-GILJE

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Avril Douglas

Deborah Lee

Claire Kariya

Karl Mey

Brian Carnate

Barrie Dargie

MOST INSPIRATIONAL “COMEBACK” AWARD - Details presented by Coach Sam 

Believing in oneself is a choice. It is often easier to settle for mediocrity. But when you bury your inner potential, you can fail to realize and achieve your own success.These individuals have proven that you ARE strong enough to achieve success if you have the drive.  

SUZANNE SHARP

JESS AUJLA

LES ROBSON SERVICE AWARD - Acknowledgment and presented by Coach Sam

GARY SILVESTER

GREYHOUND SPIRIT AWARD - Presented by Coach Sam

The culture of the Greyhounds club is evident in the people that make it complete.  

The Greyhounds Spirit Award is presented to an individual whose positive attitude helps all Greyhounds achieve our mission of promoting health and well-being of masters (35+) and seniors (55+) through participation in track and field.   

We have such positivity and encouragement from everyone that participates that it becomes infectious.  This culture travels throughout the track and field community and as a result, the Greyhounds Masters Track and Field Club is very well respected.

A gifted athlete, so generous in his support to help the club as well as the track and field community, he has been an asset to many.

He shows that sometimes more valuable than medals, are relationships.  Relationships are where we get to influence, impact and change people’s lives.  This individual has created many great relationships in his short time becoming a member.

His character shows we are more than just a track and field club.  Who we are is what we are:  Ambassadors of our communities.  Role models to one another.  Friends.  We are a Greyhounds family.  GREYHOUNDS SPIRIT AWARD 2022 is presented to:

MATTHEW BROWN

In closing, Coach Sam reiterated that though we have talked about major accomplishments/performances by our members, it is recognized that ALL are valued and important regardless of performance.  Without the support from one another, it diminishes any accomplishment.  

He concluded by stating, “I am proud to see our members each lift one another up.  We encourage each other while cheering our wins and losses.   This is the foundation of our Greyhounds culture.  On and off the track, I remain PROUD and THANKFUL for you ALL!”