Henry Pejril speaks during the Kamloops 2011 Western Canada Summer Games, of which he was president. Pejril and John Hatchett of Sun Peaks have been named recipients of B.C. Community Achievement Awards.
KTW file photo

Residents from Kamloops and Sun Peaks are among the 2016 recipient of the B.C. Community Achievement Awards.Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chairman of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, have named those being honoured for leading by example and making a significant contribution to their community either as volunteers or in the course of their work.Local recipients are Henry Pejril of Kamloops and John Hatchett of Sun Peaks.In announcing the recipients, the foundation had this to say about Pejril:

“Sports are at the core of Henry Pejril’s life and his dedicated passion drives his volunteer efforts. What started as coaching his children’s sports teams grew into the presidency of the Kamloops Sports Council and expanded into organizing numerous national and provincial cycling championships. He has also served as president of both the 2006 BC Summer Games and the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. Henry’s work has allowed young athletes to compete and develop their physical and mental fitness.”

The foundation had this to say about Hatchett:

“John Hatchett worked diligently initiating health services in the community of Sun Peaks. Through his efforts, thousands of visitors and residents have received medical assistance and access to doctors who collectively responded to John and his vision. His volunteer spirit is reflected in many achievements in Sun Peaks and he never hesitates to serve community activities on the mountain.”

An independent committee selects the recipients of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards.

The 2016 selection committee members are Christopher Seguin, vice-president academic at Thompson Rivers University, Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun, Terrace Mayor Carol Leclerc, Victoria Dobbyn of Roberts Creek and Daphne Goode of Victoria.

Award winners will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony at Government House in Victoria on May 25. Each recipient will receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.

The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established and endowed by the province of B.C. to celebrate excellence in the arts, humanities, enterprise and community service. Launched in 2003, the B.C. Community Achievement Awards were the first initiative of the foundation, followed by the B.C. Creative Achievement Award for Applied Art and Design, B.C.’s National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, the B.C. Creative Achievement Award for First Nations Art, and the B.C. Aboriginal Business Awards.

Learn more about the BC Achievement Foundation online at: www.bcachievement.co