Congratulations to BC Games volunteer and friend of the Games Richard Stickel, head coach of the Fort St. John Elks Speed Skating Club, on being named Competition Coach of the Year for viaSport’s 2019 Coach of the Year Awards. Unfortunately, the award presentation was postponed due to the pandemic, however recipients were announced by viaSport during National Coaches Week on September 22, 2020.  

“I am very honored to receive this award. I have worked with so many thoughtful, caring coaches that it is humbling to be singled out. I have had the pleasure of coaching so many wonderful athletes over the years. I would like to thank the Fort St. John Elks Speed Skating Club and the BC Speed Skating Association (BCSSA) for all of their support and encouragement. This is truly a team award,” says Richard.

Known as a pillar in the Canadian Speed Skating community, Richard has dedicated himself to the sport community in Fort St. John and has 37 years of coaching experience under his belt. He has trained many high-level skaters including BC Games alumna and four-time Olympian Denny Morrison. Coaching with the Fort St. John Elks Speed Skating Club for the past 18 years, he has logged more than 2500 volunteer hours. Richard is husband to Dee-Ann Stickel, Vice President of the Fort St. John 2020 BC Winter Games Board of Directors and is a big supporter of the BC Winter Games.

Read the full list of Coach of the Year Award winners for 2019 here: https://www.viasport.ca/news/viasport-announces-2019-coach-year-award-winners.