Named in honour of Karina LeBlanc—Olympic bronze medalist, long-time Canadian Women’s National Team goalkeeper, and Maple Ridge hometown hero—this award recognizes a young person who is creating real opportunities for underrepresented youth to participate more fully in sport.

Karina LeBlanc has been a game changer both on and off the field. Since retiring from professional soccer, she has continued inspiring others to live with purpose. As the Head of Women’s Football for CONCACAF since 2018, she works to use sport as a powerful tool to uplift and empower young girls.

As part of the legacy of the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games, the Karina LeBlanc Game Changer Award will present one exceptional youth from the host community with $1,000 in recognition of their dedication to improving sport opportunities in their community.

Award Purpose

This award celebrates a local youth who has made a significant impact in their school and/or sport community in leadership, volunteerism, participation, sport excellence and inclusion.

Nomination Information

Nominators are invited to put forward candidates who:

• Are 16–24 years old by September of the nomination year (2026)
• Reside within the host community of the Games; Trail, Rossland, Castlegar, Fruitvale and Warfield
• Have contributed to sport as an athlete, coach, official, administrator, or volunteer
• Demonstrate leadership in removing barriers to participation for underrepresented youth in sport or communities
• Serve as a role model or mentor, showing initiative, leadership, and commitment to improving sport and participation locally
• Have achieved their notable contributions within the past two years

Nominations may highlight accomplishments such as:

• Creating, expanding, or improving a program or service
• Organizing an event that increases participation among underrepresented youth
• Significant volunteer efforts supporting community sport

Nominations must include:

• A completed nomination form – application link below
• A recent digital photo of the nominee

Award Presentation

The selected recipient will be honoured during the BC Winter Games. The presentation may take place:

• At the Civic Luncheon on Friday February 27, 2025, or
• At a sport venue during Games-time, depending on where the nominee can be best recognized

How to Nominate

https://form.jotform.com/BCGames_jotform/karina-leblanc-game-changer-award

Deadline to submit is January 21, 2026