Biathlete Hunter Sones was presented the W.R. Bennett Award for Athletic Excellence by Vernon-Monashee MLA, Eric Foster at the Closing Ceremony of the Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games.

Sones, 14, from Garibaldi Highlands, has been participating in biathlon since the age of five. He has medaled in over 90 percent of the 24 BC Cup events he has competed in.  He won two BC Winter Games bronze medals in the Junior Boys Sprint and individual events. Besides a busy schedule of training and competing, Hunter coaches public biathlon at Whistler Olympic Park and conducts biathlon lessons during the summer.  He is also an active volunteer cross country ski coach for beginner adults and has donated the proceeds from his coaching to the local food bank.  Hunter has a strong desire and a goal to become a National and International team member with an eye on competing in either the 2020 or 2024 Olympic Winter Games.