The Board and Staff of the BC Games Society wish to congratulate our President and Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Mann, on 20 years of dedication to the organization.
Kelly joined the BC Games Society in 1992 as an Event Manager responsible for working with communities hosting the BC Winter and BC Summer Games. During his seven years in this role, he helped to lead hundreds of volunteers in communities around the province to grow and develop through the staging of the BC Games.
George Kawaguchi worked with Kelly during the Burnaby 1997 BC Summer Games. “The 1997 Games were my first time helping to lead an event of this size and Kelly was invaluable in providing me with the tools, knowledge and experience necessary to stage a successful Games,” said Kawaguchi. “I have taken the leadership, enthusiasm, knowledge and team spirit that Kelly instilled and applied it to many other volunteer activities.”
In 1999, Kelly became the Society’s President and CEO and has led the organization ever since. With an unwavering belief in the value of sport and the importance community development, Kelly works tirelessly to ensure that every participant, volunteer and partner is inspired by their experience with the BC Games. His vision is reflected in his leadership to build connected communities and healthy individuals who contribute to a strong and prosperous province.
Chair of the BC Games Society Board of Directors, Cathy Priestner Allinger said, “We are privileged to have such an outstanding President and CEO in Kelly Mann. Kelly’s leadership has solidified the BC Games Society as a strong organization that is a vital pillar in the provincial sport system and an important contributor to building community and volunteer capacity.”
Kelly’s commitment to sport and community extends beyond his work with the BC Games. He was a founder of KidSport Greater Victoria and is a current Board Member of the Prince George 2015 Canada Winter Games and the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence. An active volunteer, he is known for putting up his hand to contribute and make a difference in all aspects of the community.
Moira Gookstetter, Vice President of viaSport said, “As a true steward of relationships, Kelly is the first to congratulate someone on an achievement, goal or milestone. He ensures that everyone – from volunteers to colleagues to stakeholders - have been thanked and recognized for their contributions as a normal course of his day.”
It was particularly fitting that Kelly’s long-standing commitment to the BC Games Society was recognized by the Province of B.C. this week. Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the Honourable Bill Bennett, visited the BC Games Society office in Victoria and personally delivered letters of congratulations from him and from Premier Christy Clark.
The BC Games Society Board and Staff are proud to honour and recognize Kelly for his commitment, dedication, and ongoing contribution to the organization, sport, communities and the province.