Special Olympics BC – Delta’s Courtney Keith is well-known for her positive attitude. As a coach for rhythmic gymnastics, her ability to lift up her athletes and help them reach their full potential is matched by her dedication to go above and beyond when it comes to individualized training with the specific needs of each athlete in mind.
Keith works hard to help athletes succeed, and she is the deserving winner of the 2018 Howard Carter Award.
One of Keith’s main strengths is her communication skills, and she takes time and care to take athletes’ personalities into account when training them. Her positive attitude inspires athletes and coaches, and she always considers an athlete’s overall well-being, not just the athlete’s progress in a sport.
A coach with almost 10 years of experience with Special Olympics BC, Keith has helped elevate the SOBC – Delta rhythmic gymnastics program. Prior to her arrival, the Local had never sent athletes to Provincial or National Games. Through her hard work, dedication, and commitment to her athletes, Keith helped two SOBC – Delta rhythmic gymnasts break that barrier and make it all the way to the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver.
Keith has inspired athletes by encouraging them to set goals and try their best, and she has set up extra practices and performances to help them achieve these goals. By setting achievable goals for fitness, nutrition, training, and competition, she has encouraged athletes to move forward in all aspects of their lives.
Congratulations Courtney and nominees Nikki Apps (SOBC – Comox Valley), Penny Coyle (SOBC – Kimberly/Cranbrook), and Wilma VanHage (SOBC – Prince George)!
Past Howard Carter Award recipients:
- Donna Bilous, SOBC – Abbotsford (2017)
- Garth Vickers, SOBC – Kelowna (2016)
- Tom Norton, SOBC – Abbotsford (2015)
- Deborah Carter, SOBC – Surrey (2014)
- Sheila Snell, SOBC – Surrey (2013)
- Walde Libera, SOBC – Coquitlam (2012)
- Donna Bilous, SOBC – Abbotsford (2011)
- Jaci Gaetz, SOBC – Port Alberni (2010)
- Nanci Martin, SOBC – Vancouver (2009)
- Jackie Ross, SOBC – Prince George (2008)
- Aleila Miller, SOBC – Smithers (2007)
- Heather Hamilton-Wright, SOBC – Vancouver (2006)
- Sylvia Wallach, SOBC – Port Alberni (2005)
- Sallie Szanik, SOBC – Prince George (2004)
- Randy Scott, SOBC – North Shore (2003)
- Ralph Bramble, SOBC – Prince George (2002)
- Rita Quelch, SOBC – North Shore (2001)
- Sally Yee, SOBC – Vancouver (2000)
- Mary McIntosh, SOBC – Vancouver (1999)
- Dee Neukomm, SOBC – Prince George (1998)
- Mick McLellan, SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook (1997)
- Mona Hazell, SOBC – Penticton (1996)
- Maureen Brinson, SOBC – Campbell River (1995)
- Carmen Biko, SOBC – Vancouver (1994)
- Hughie Wat, SOBC – Vancouver (1993)
- Kathy Dumont, SOBC – Kamloops (1992)
- Robb Berezan, SOBC – Coquitlam (1991)
- Mike Vezina, SOBC – Surrey (1990)
- Carollyne Sinclaire, SOBC – Vancouver (1989)