A local Vernon tennis coach is being honoured for his decades-long work of growing the game.
Graham Cooper is receiving the Tennis B.C Presidents’ Award, from Sport B.C., for his tireless work as a volunteer and coach in the Vernon community.
“I was a little bit stunned to be honest” Cooper told The Morning Star after hearing that he was selected.
The Presidents’ Award is given to those who demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism through their dedications, commitments and tireless energy they give to their sport organization.
Cooper is the president of the Vernon Tennis Association, but also works with the City of Vernon, coordinating tennis programs.
“I set up the morning men’s program for the city, which when I took over wasn’t going so well,” Cooper explained. “I also put on kids programs here.”
In 2023, 267 kids registered for tennis programs in Vernon, which was a three-digit improvement from 2018, where there was just 63 registrants.
In total, 2023 saw 807 individuals register for a program, lesson or tournament in Vernon and Predator Ridge. This is a marked improvement over the 375 in 2018.
“I am not responsible for all this,” he said. “I am just a little part of it and my philosophy is to just get a few more things going every year.”
Last year was the first time since COVID that participation numbers grew, according to Tennis Canada as 11 per cent more kids (aged six to 17) played in 2023 vs. 2022.
Cooper is also a certified coach with the Tennis Professionals Association, and runs private lessons up at Predator Ridge. He has big plans for the 2024 season.
“I want to introduce a progressive tennis program for the kids in the spring. I really believe in individualizing things for the kids, and if you are strong and playable then we will bring you along.”
The 49 recipients of the Presidents’ Awards, each coming from a provincial sporting organization, will be celebrated during Sport B.C.’s 56th annual Athlete of the Year Awards on Thursday, March 7.
More information can be found at SportBC.com.
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