Pete Petersen league well-represented at Ontario Volunteer Service Awards
After taking a year’s hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards were handed out for the 2020 year, nine of which are from the Pete Petersen youth basketball league in Kingston.
“Tonight nine of our volunteers were recognized for their commitment to the league and the children of our community over the years,” said the league in a public announcement congratulating the volunteers.
The nine volunteers include Walter DaCosta, a long-time league executive. DaCosta boasted 20 years as a volunteer of the youth basketball league.
Described as “long a steadying force on the league executive,” DaCosta was recognized for his 20 years of volunteering since his return to Kingston in 2000. “Walter has been league President, a referee, co-convenor, coach, and the person you can always turn to for sound council,” the Facebook post honouring the volunteers said.
In addition to DaCosta, former league player Ryan Vivian was honoured for his work as an enthusiastic coach and volunteer with the Pete Peterson league for ten years “and shows no indication of slowing down.”
“Ryan is always willing to do whatever is asked for special events and loves being around the League,” the league added.
Lucy and Martin Harris, who coach a boys division team together, were honoured for their enthusiasm. “Anyone that has seen Lucy and Martin patrolling the sidelines for the Mustangs in the Little Guys Division the last five years knows what a great and enthusiastic pair they are in making their players better and helping them understand how much fun the game can be,” said the league.
Kelly Davison, Corey Young, as well as youth volunteers Calista Payne, Juliana Sargent and Grady Irwin, rounded out the nods from the local basketball league.
“As disappointing as it was to not be able to share this recognition event with all of these volunteers and the many other area volunteers tonight, their contribution to the success of our program is in no way diminished,” the announcement concluded.
“We are very proud to have these nine people be a part of what we are – to be part of the fabric that continues to hold the dream of Don Petersen alive.”
