Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 17, 2013

Two Softball Coaches among Recipients of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipients

(Ottawa, ON) Softball Canada is very pleased to announce that David Bourne (Port Dover, ON) and Tom Doucette (Middle Musquodoboit, NS) have joined a very exclusive club amongst Commonwealth countries as recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

'I am both thrilled and honoured to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of my contributions to the education of coaches through the NCCP for Softball Canada, and Softball Ontario' said Dave Bourne. 'I believe sharing the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes promoted in our coaching programs facilitates the continued development of our coaches and athletes in sport.;

'I would like to thank Softball Canada for putting forward my name to the Coaching Association of Canada for the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal' said Tom Doucette. 'I am both humbled and proud for being selected as a recipient for this award honouring my volunteerism and efforts. I would be remiss if I didn't thank my family for allowing me 'time away from home' to make my commitment to sport.'

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal was created in 2011 to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the thrones on February 6th, 1952. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized. This commemorative medal is a tangible and lasting way to pay tribute to those Canadians whose achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, their community, their organization and the country.

Softball Canada nominated Dave and Tom for this award because they have been instrumental in the development and delivery of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and made a significant contribution to coaching development not only within their own province but also at the national level. A total of 49 individuals were awarded this medal in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada.

'Dave Bourne and Tom Doucette are two fine examples of what the coaching fraternity is all about' stated Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn. 'Both Dave and Tom have given hundreds of hours of their own time to perfect their skills as coaches and then even more time using these skills to train hundreds of athletes and coaches across Canada. These gentlemen have been instrumental in producing not only some exceptional athletes and coaches; but some outstanding individuals as well. Congratulations on this prestigious award. You are both very deserving winners.'

Softball Canada congratulates Tom and Dave for their commitment and dedication to softball in Canada. They are truly deserving of this recognition.
Click here to view the Coaching Association of Canada's media release.

 

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For more information, please contact:
Gilles LeBlanc Manager - Marketing and Communications Softball Canada (613) 523-3386 ext.3105 gleblanc@softball.ca