In recognition of her work over three decades in high school athletics in several positions, BC School Sports has named Nancy Champagne as its Female Provincial Coach of the Year.
A teacher at Fleetwood Park Secondary, Champagne has coached cross country and track and field, and has also volunteered as an athletic board member, a zone coordinator and a provincial commissioner.
“Through all of that, she has remained a tireless advocate for athletics and the importance of sport within our schools,” Fleetwood Park athletic director Mike Sweeney and principal Cory McLaughlin wrote in their nomination letter.
Welcoming all students who wished to try athletics, Champagne has coached more than 2,500 athletes over the years. He track and field teams have won more than 15 Surrey district championships since Fleetwood Park opened in 1993.
Champagne is the current B.C. high school provincial cross country commissioner. Past accomplishments include lowering entry fees from $40 to $15 per student, introducing a Junior championship which is recognized by BC School Sports, and creating a separate governing body for cross country.
“Surrey is well taken care of,” said Champagne. “We get a lot of support and there are a lot of school districts that do not.”