Celebrating Excellence in Sports: District Athletics Evening Returns in Langley
June 2, 2022
The District was pleased to host the District Athletics Evening to honour and celebrate all of the staff, coaches, and volunteers who helped support our student athletes. The evening aims to recognize the outstanding achievements and significant contributions coaches have made to their sport and to athletics in the District. The annual event, which was on hold for two years due to COVID, returned at the Langley Events Centre on Friday, May 27. It was a wonderful evening to gather the athletic community, share stories, and recognize excellence and years of service.
This year the Builder Award was introduced. The Builder Award recognizes an individual who has been a visionary for Langley Athletics, and someone who has been instrumental in its evolution and growth. Former Superintendent Gord Stewart was the first-ever recipient as he ensured equitable support for athletics across the District. Under his leadership, the District Athletics committee was formed, an Athletics Vision was created, a District fund to support Athletics was developed, as well as the inception of the Athletics Evening banquet.
This year, Walnut Grove Secondary teacher Gary Lutes received the Difference Maker Award. This award recognizes an individual who has exemplified the District’s core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, and Community throughout their over 10 year coaching career. Gary Lutes, a long-time teacher, devoted decades in his career to inspire and support students in Track & Field. Testimonials from his colleagues and former students all attest to his dedication and his hard work, as well as the long hours he put in to ensure success for all of his students.
Former DW Poppy counsellor Anne Heys was the recipient of the Coaches Wall of Distinction Award. This award is open to retired coaches with a minimum of 20 years coaching experience. These coaches have influenced the growth of new players as well as new coaches, and whose positive legacy can still be felt. Heys, a former volleyball coach at DW Poppy, was instrumental in organizing regional and provincial events. As part of this award, her photo will be on display at the Langley sports hall of fame.
See gallery below for highlights from the evening’s events: