The BC Games Society is pleased to announce that Anna Huber, a Thomas Haney Secondary Student, is the inaugural recipient of the Karina LeBlanc Game Changer Award. Named after hometown hero Karina LeBlanc, retired Olympic bronze medalist and one of the longest serving soccer players for Canada, the award recognizes and celebrates young individuals who have created opportunities for underrepresented youth in their community to participate more fully in sport.
Anna is an exceptional young leader and change maker in Maple Ridge. In addition to being an accomplished soccer player, Anna is a first degree blackbelt in taekwondo and actively coaches at her local martial arts studio where she works to create equitable opportunities for female athletes within the sport.
Her name and face may be familiar to Maple Ridge residents as she was recently featured on the cover of the Maple Ridge Parks, Recreation & Culture Spring 2020 Program Guide and named a Community Champion by her fellow neighbours. “I volunteer because I truly believe it makes the world a better place,” wrote Anna. “Helping others and expecting nothing in return does not only better the world, but I find that it makes me feel like I am doing something that makes a difference.”
Anna’s long list of volunteer experience includes working at children’s summer camps with the Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre, with Thomas Haney Culinary Arts, Best Buddies, on her school’s Student Council, and with Eco-Action. Anna is also a previous recipient of her high school’s Youth and Philanthropy Initiative for her project advocating for equipment purchases for the Arcus Association for Community Living, an organization that raises funds for community members with diverse abilities and Operation Trackshoes.
After graduating from high school Anna plans to attend university and study environmental science. By winning this award Anna hopes to set an example and inspire others to get involved in their communities. “I will continue to work hard to break down barriers for those who are underrepresented,” said Anna. “Just like Karina LeBlanc, I hope to continue to create opportunities for others and inspire many more years of action.”
Quotes:
Karina LeBlanc –
“Congratulations to Anna for being the first recipient of this award. Maple Ridge truly has many incredible people and she is one of them. At such a young age she is already a gamechanger and you can tell she will continue to have an impact on our community and I am sure the world one day.”
Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport –
“Way to go Anna! I’m so proud of your incredible achievements. It’s people like Anna that make our communities brighter and resilient. Anna’s passion, dedication, and discipline on and off the field is a shining example of her rock-start attitude, and change-maker spirit.”
Lisa Beare, MLA Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows –
“Thank you, Anna. Your leadership, volunteer work and advocacy is inspiring and has a positive impact on sport in Maple Ridge today and in the future.”
Mike Morden, Mayor, City of Maple Ridge –
“On behalf of Maple Ridge City Council, I’d like to congratulate Anna on receiving this award. She’s made outstanding contributions to our community, both in sport and philanthropy, and is a role model for other young people around the province. Like the person this award is named after, Karina LeBlanc, Anna is an exemplary ambassador for our city.”