Dawson Creek Athletic Association Celebrates Community Achievements

The Dawson Creek Athletic Association (DCAA) held its 94th annual general meeting on November 16, 2024, celebrating local sports achievements and community contributions. During the event, which took place at the Dawson Creek Golf Club, several awards were presented to honour individuals who have made significant impacts in sports and community building.

Among the awardees was Phil Sykes, a former NHL player, who received the prestigious Sam Wilson Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions by a team or individual within the community. Other notable award recipients included Shaun Inkster of SI Oilfield, who received the Brian MacPherson Memorial Award for business excellence, and Vern Lauder, who was honored with the Earl Johnson Memorial Award for his role as a coach and builder. Frank Ripley, owner of Rip’s Shoe Re-nu, received the Alvie Shearer Award, recognizing small business contributions.

The evening also included an update on the DCAA’s various initiatives for the upcoming year. Pat O’Reilly provided insights into the Nordic club’s activities, particularly the maintenance of cross-country skiing trails on Bear Mountain. He emphasized the importance of the skiing season and noted, “Our skiing season is key but we run year-round with lots of activities,” highlighting the diverse range of outdoor pursuits available, including biking, hiking, and birdwatching. O’Reilly reported about 3 km of trail upgrades, while also addressing challenges posed by natural elements, stating, “The biggest thing that kept us busy was the wind blowing trees and branches onto paths.”

In addition, Jack Walsh shared a positive outlook on the golf club’s progress, mentioning that it had been another successful year with increased membership revenues for the third consecutive year. He noted that improvements to the driving range were completed and expressed excitement for future initiatives, including a fundraiser planned for April 2026.

The ski hill business also received attention during the meeting. Paul Gevatkoff reported on the ski hill’s operations, expressing hope for a busy season beginning in December. He mentioned the upcoming 15th annual Bearwear fundraiser, scheduled for November 22, which invites the community to bid on creatively themed stuffed bears.

As the DCAA moves towards its 95th year in 2026, President Dennis Kesterke reflected on the organization’s enduring mission. He stated, “Our goal is today, as it was 94 years ago when on November 23, 1931, eight sportsmen met to discuss land and building(s) for sports and sportsmanship in Dawson Creek.” This commitment to fostering sports and community spirit remains at the core of the DCAA’s vision.

The annual meeting served as a reminder of the vital role that local sports organizations play in strengthening community ties and promoting physical activity. With a successful year behind them and ambitious plans ahead, the Dawson Creek Athletic Association continues to inspire future generations.