A couple of well-known and dedicated officials are among BC School Sports' inaugural award winners.
Walter “Sarge” Becker and Karn Dhillon are joined by Darcy Williamson, Gilda Lohr and Mareesa Kelly as recipients of Citation of Excellence Award for Officials.
It recognizes outstanding individuals and their distinguished contributions to the officiating of school sport. The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding commitment to school sport, being recognized as a quality official, while displaying the values of BCSS and fair play.
After a long teaching career at North Delta Secondary, where Becker guided the Huskies football program for decades, the ever-popular mentor remains very much involved in the sport as a referee, typically working multiple games each week. He has also been long involved with the off-field officiating crew at BC Lions home games.
It was back in 2020 when he received the prestigious Bob Ackles Lifetime Achievement Award at the BC Lions’ Orange Helmet Awards.
Dhillon not only has a reputation as being among the best high school basketball officials in the province, he continues to lead the off-court Pink Whistle campaign that has now raised over $210,000 for the B.C. Cancer Foundation since its inception 14 years ago. This year’s campaign raised a record $51,000 alone.
Williamson, Lohr and Kelly were the first-ever all-female officiating crew to work a provincial championship game back in March.
Also recognized is North Delta native and Varsity Letters’ founder Howard Tsumura as Media Person of the Year. Tsumura has been providing extensive coverage of high school sports for decades, dating back to his time at the Province newspaper.
The awards celebrate leaders, coaches, administrators, and officials for their commitment and dedication to BC School Sports, both on and off the field of play. The winners will be formally honoured at the BCSS Awards Dinner on May 12 in Whistler.
