The W.R. Bennett Athlete Excellence Award was named in honour of the former Premier of British Columbia, William Bennett, who was instrumental in starting the BC Summer and BC Winter Games program in 1978. The Award was first presented in 2008 at the BC Summer Games, which were hosted by Kelowna, Mr. Bennett's hometown. 

"I have been extremely proud of the BC Summer and BC Winter Games since their inception. The Games celebrate the diversity of our province's talented athletes, communities and regions. It is indeed an honour to have my name attached to the Award for Athletic Excellence," said Mr. Bennett.

The recipient is selected from nominations submitted by Provincial Sport Organizations included in each Games.  Each sport may submit a nomination for one male and one female athlete competing at the Games.  Nominees are considered on the basis of their past sport performances in the sport they are competing at the Games, their performance at the Games, their sport ambition and future potential, and demonstrated leadership both on and off the field of play. The award, which includes a $2500 bursary for direct sport or post-secondary education expenses, is presented at the Closing Ceremony of the BC Summer and the BC Winter Games.

Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society said, “This award is designed to recognize and support the ongoing development of young athletes. We hope that the experience of the recipients at the BC Games, combined with this financial support from this award, will assist in pursuit of their sport dreams.” 

Nomination forms are provided directly to Provincial Sport Organizations prior to the Games.

Meet the W.R. Bennett Recipients (click on the name of the recipient for more info):