The first ever Awards For Community Excellence were held last night (May 3rd) recognizing the best volunteers and Elite Athletes in Airdrie.

The awards combined the Volunteer of the Year Awards with the Elite Athlete presentations at the Bert Church Theatre.

Piper Fitzgerald receives her Elite Athlete Award.

The two Elite Athletes recognized were swimmer Danica MacDonald and Dancer Piper Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald says she was honoured to be awarded for her sport of dance.

“It isn’t just a thing that I do, it’s an actual passion and I have a love for it. Just the fact that I can receive an award is amazing.”

MacDonald, who currently swims for the University of Calgary echoed that statement and shares why swimming is special to her.

“I love racing and putting hours in and you get to know a lot of people from all over the country because swimming’s kind of a small sport so you have to kind of go all over the place to get competition. It’s just a really good sport, good vibe and it’s fun.”

Some outstanding volunteers were profiled during the evening, with awards being handed out to the Leader of Tomorrow, Volunteer Advocate and the Soul of Airdrie.

15-year-old Jaya Bansal was named the volunteer of tomorrow for her work in giving back to the Airdrie Public Library after her family moved from India in 2014.

Bansal shares why volunteering has been a fulfilling experience for her.

“You connect with people out there, just socializing it’s really amazing. It’s a very great experience. If someone wants to try volunteering, I would clearly encourage them to volunteer of course.”

The two nominees for the Volunteer Advocate Award were organizations that have made a difference in the community and around the world: Soap For Hope and the Parade and Fireworks Committee.

The Parades Committee were the winners last night but member Kim Greenizen says it’s more of an honour for the community given last year’s Parade at Canada 150.

“I really think it’s something that giving to the community, giving at this stage, giving it to everybody regardless of age makes a big difference and people look forward to it. It’s a way to celebrate not only Canada but our city as well.”

Finally, two amazing volunteers were up for the Soul of Airdrie Award, given to the resident who has shown an outstanding long-term volunteer spirit: Sharon Uhrich and Chris Gourlie.

Sharon Uhrich won the Award for her volunteering in many events and organizations including Community Links, 4H and the Lioness Club.

Urich says she was grateful to be recognized.

“First of all, it was an honour just to be nominated. Whether you win or lose, it’s nice to be recognized and I appreciate it very much.”