Male Speaker: Nothing unites or excites Canadian communities more than the local sports teams. However, what many people don't realize as they sit in the stands of their local arenas is that there is often a single individual working behind the scenes, ensuring that our young athletes get the recognition and support they deserve.
Jennifer Botterill: I would never have been able to achieve my dream of becoming an Olympiad, if it weren't for someone to open the rink at 5 AM, someone to run practices, someone to organize the leagues that I played in when I was young, and someone to show up at the games, whether we won or we lost.
Male Speaker: These unsung volunteers are the reason why so many Canadian athletes have risen to greatness. The RBC Local Hockey Leader's Program is a national initiative that recognizes and rewards those individuals who dedicate their time and energy to helping young athletes reach their full potential. Local hockey leader Murray Howard from the George Bray Sports Association, volunteers his time to making Hockey accessible for young people with physical limitations, medical conditions and the emotional handicaps.
Murray Howard: An organization like this running a hockey league for children, I suppose, just something anybody can do. It's the exposure from the RBC Insurance Company has been phenomenal. The award, the $10000 has been incredible. It's helped us to enlarge our program, it's allowed us to buy more loaner equipment, purchase more loaner equipment for the kids, so that we can ensure that more kids get on the ice.
Male Speaker: This year, 13 volunteers from across Canada will be recognized for the work they do in their community.
Jennifer Botterill: It's more than just showing up to games. It's a dedication to the community. It's dependability and an enthusiasm that never wavers, but most importantly to me, it's that they are positive role models.
Male Speaker: This year, recipients of the award will have the unique opportunity of participating and carrying the Olympic Torch in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch relay, as well as receiving $10000 to be used towards a minor Hockey cause in their community, assign Team Canada jersey and their name on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Murray Howard: Being recognized brings that -- it just kind of gives you that little feeling that you know somebody else other than myself feel, that this is worthwhile. They have acknowledged that it's worthwhile and again, for RBC Insurance the feel, that we are worthwhile, is quite a pat on the back, I guess for what we do in the community.
Male Speaker: To nominate an RBC local hockey leader in your community, visit rbclocalhockeyleaders.com. Nomination deadline is April 17th 2009.
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