As girls tumbled and twisted through the gymnastics elements of the Lhtako Quesnel BC Winter Games, one of their main advocates was honoured for breaking barriers for them.
Jade Kotzer, president of Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club, was named as the 2024 winner of the ProMOTION Plus Leadership Award. The honour is bestowed at each edition of the BC Games to an organization or individual in the host community who has helped to develop opportunities for women and girls in B.C. to participate more fully in sports or recreation.
“Jade’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring female athletes in any discipline, proving that with dedication, perseverance, and a passion for positive change, one can excel in both personal achievements and societal contributions,” said Games vice-president Brenda Beatty. “Her legacy in her sport, gymnastics, extends far beyond her dazzling routines and many hours of volunteering. It is a legacy of empowerment, breaking barriers, and paving the way for the next generation of female athletes.”
Kotzer was celebrated for being a vocal advocate for girls in sport.
“Recognizing the challenges and stereotypes that often hinder young girls from pursuing athletic endeavours, she took it upon herself to be a voice of inspiration,” said Beatty. “Through her continued dedication to coaching, judging and organizing, she has worked tirelessly to break down barriers and encourage young girls to embrace their athletic potential.”
Kotzer’s advocacy reached its pinnacle, said Games organizers, when she earned the prestigious Member Of Distinction Award from her sport association, a testament to her exceptional contributions to her sport community and her unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality in sports.
Through Sport BC and its members, ProMOTION Plus strives to ensure gender equity is a standard throughout the provincial sport sector. The work of ProMOTION Plus ensures girls and women have equal opportunities in physical activity and sport and helps all girls and women in BC have access to a complete range of opportunities, choices, and resources that lead to positive experiences in physical activity and competitive and recreational sport as participants and leaders.
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