Allan Watson has been officially recognized as the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) 2024 Electoral Area C Volunteer of the Year.

“Allan is a resident of Gold Creek and has volunteered as a trainer for the East Kootenay Adaptive Snowsports Program out of Kimberley for many years. He is the lead instructor for the students in the program and has mentored and certified many other adaptive instructors to pursue their next level of certification,” said RDEK Electoral Area C Director and Board Chair Rob Gay.

In addition to training at his home program in Kimberley and working with Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) at Pre-Courses, Watson has also been assisting with the development of another adaptive club in Fernie. This involves a great deal of time spent conducting email, phone, and zoom communications as well as the on-snow requirements.

After joining the CADS Technical Committee in 2022, he rose to the challenge and has been instrumental in updating the CADS methodology and certification documents.

In addition to that, he was the lead in coordinating and delivering the CADS 2023 Pre-Courses, with countless hours spent to ensure a consistent and quality product was delivered at both Western and Eastern Pre-Courses.

“Allan is a tireless champion for the program, who believes in others and is always willing to take the time to teach and develop students to the best of their abilities and independence, and work with CADS instructors to become their best, and reach their next goal,” added Gay.

Director Gay formally recognized Watson on November 25 at a celebration in his honour at the Cranbrook Public Library.

RDEK photo

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