Sports have a way to bring people together, whether it鈥檚 the team becoming friends or their families supporting them. A great coach can be instrumental in making a team thrive.聽 The recipient of this year鈥檚 adult Civic Recognition Award is Jason Boyda, best known for coaching many sports teams in Yorkton.
Boyda said it was humbling to receive the award, as he鈥檚 knows many people in the city who deserve recognition.
鈥淚n the city of Yorkton there are so many outstanding citizens that give back to the community, and I鈥檝e just been fortunate to be one who has been recognized. It means a lot to me, I feel very honored and privileged to receive the award.鈥�
Best known for football and basketball, Boyda will coach wherever he can and said it鈥檚 part of his goal to give back wherever he鈥檚 able.
鈥淸Sport] has given so much to my family and myself. It鈥檚 my small part of giving back, that鈥檚 what we鈥檝e preached to our football players, to our basketball players, to our athletes. Once your playing career is done, give back to the community that has given so much to you, and pay it forward.鈥�
The reward for a coach is seeing the kids succeed, and Boyda has seen many kids in the area go on to play sports at a higher level, or go on to successful careers. He said that coaching is about helping people achieve their goals, and seeing kids go on to succeed beyond school is a proud moment.
鈥淚 feel like they are my own children. All of the accomplishments they get after moving on, whether scholarships, playing at the next level, going to university, trade school, starting their careers, I just feel like a proud papa that I鈥檝e had a small little part in helping them out.鈥�
This may have been the most challenging year for sports not only in Yorkton, but the world, as COVID-19 cancelled most of the sports starting in March of this year. While kids couldn鈥檛 compete, Boyda said that they were busy finding ways to stay in shape and make the most of the situation and stay ready for when the world gets back to normal.
鈥淵ou鈥檝e always got to make the most of a crisis.鈥�
Boyda said that he doesn鈥檛 view it as work, but instead a passion, and that鈥檚 what drives him.
While Boyda received the award, he describes himself as 鈥渁 small part that probably has the loudest voice,鈥� emphasizing that you can鈥檛 have a successful team without a team behind it. In terms of winning the award, he thanks everyone who plays a part.
鈥淚 was just really thankful. Thankful that I have such a supportive wife and family, friends and those coaches that help me, administration, and the community and the parents. Because it鈥檚 all of us who come together and make the most of the opportunities we鈥檙e given for our children.鈥�
