VANCOUVER – The British Columbia Speed Skating Association is proud to recognize Sandi Vyse as the Presidents’ Awards winner for Speed Skating.  Vyse’s interest in speed skating began at the age of 8 and later transformed into a passion for coaching when she became a certified coach NCCP at 16 years old.  Vyse later became the co-founder and head coach to the Kamloops Long Blades Speed Skating Club. Coach Vyse’s passion for the development of athletes and coaching encompasses all aspects, from grassroots through to the Olympic podium.  Vyse explains, her “contributions to our sport that have made me the proudest are my “grown up kids” who remain in the sport as coaches, officials, and/or parents who grew up loving speed skating as I do and are still part of the family.”

BC Speed Skating President Kari Rae recognizes Vyse’s contribution, highlighting, “Coach Vyse’s energy, enthusiasm, and passion for speed skating is evident in the engagement with her skaters.”

Most notably, Vyse says, “I’m proud to have been a part of Jessica Hewitt’s development along the way to becoming an Olympic silver medalist. That is the star on the top of the Christmas tree, but of the other decorations make the tree complete, and I have as much joy seeing them shine.  The kids give me energy and make me smile. After all these years I still love speed skating. I loved it as a skater, I love it as a coach, I love it as a parent. I’m one of the luckiest people in the world because I found my passion at an early age and have been able to share it with so many wonderful people.”

The Presidents’ Awards will be presented March 13, 2019 in Vancouver. For further information refer to Sport BC Press Release.