The Daryl Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the BC Games Society, is presented to an individual who has contributed their time in an extraordinary way to sport over a long period of time and/or has made a major contribution to amateur sport in British Columbia. The award is named after the late Daryl Thompson an inspiring former Chair of Sport BC. Previous recipients, to name just a few, include Abdul Shaikh of badminton, John Buchanan of Simon Fraser University, and Bev Boys of the BC Games Society.

Sport BC is pleased to announce the recipient of the Daryl Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award is Kamloops, BC’s Dianne Barker for her long-standing contributions in the sport of curling. The Daryl Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at the at the 54^th Annual Athlete of the Year Award on March 12, 2020 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East.

Dianne Barker’s lifelong commitment to her sport has earned her a respected reputation in the sport of curling provincially and internationally. Dianne began her career as an official in 1986 and has gone on to umpire at the Olympics in Vancouver, Sochi, and Pyeonghang. She has also officiated at countless world championships. Diane is beyond generous with her time and knowledge of the sport. She gives unselfishly to help the sport and its participants and is an inspiration for the entire officiating community.  

Upon learning the news Dianne shared, “I am humbled and honoured to be selected to receive the Daryl Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award.  I am very appreciative to Curl BC for the nomination and to the Sport BC Board of Directors who deemed me to be worthy of it.”

“The Athlete of the Year Awards is a celebration of sport in our province and our finalists represent exceptional accomplishments in 2019. For over three decades, our Daryl Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Dianne Barker, has truly made a difference in the sport of curling within our province and beyond. On behalf of Sport BC and amateur sport, congratulations and thank you Dianne Barker,” shares Sport BC’s President and CEO, Rob Newman.

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About the BC Games Society

The BC Games Society is the leadership organization that guides the BC Winter and BC Summer Games and prepares Team BC for national multi-sport Games. Since 1978, the BC Games have taken place in 38 communities and brought together thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators in celebration of sport and community excellence.  It is a milestone event that people count as an exceptional experience where memories, friendships, spirit, and pride are abundant.  Learn more at www.bcgames.org

About Sport BC

Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Our goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through our KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and ProMOTION Plus along with our services Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits; Sport BC supports our sixty plus member organizations. Keep up to date @SportBC

Media Contact                                                            Athlete of the Year Awards

Allison Mailer                                                                                     Thursday, March 12, 2020

Sport BC, Communication Manager                                         Vancouver Convention Centre

allison.mailer@sportbc.com                                                        Tickets available NOW! #2020SportBCAOY

7778-839-8576                                                                                   http://sportbc.com