The Bow Valley Rugby Club recently won Ambassador of the Year at the Cochrane Community Awards on May 29.
The awards, held at the Cochrane Ranche House, saw 45 nominees up for 13 awards honouring individuals, businesses, and groups throughout the community.
“It was great to receive the award,” said Bow Valley vice-president and Grizzlies player Anthony Battistone, who was also on hand to win the Education Initiative of the Year with fellow Bow Valley High School teacher Jason Ness.
“As a club we try to represent Cochrane and what it’s about. We’re a very inclusive organization, and very community-based.”
Since the club’s inception, its membership has steadily grown (around 300 at present at all levels from grassroots to adult) which has led to an increased presence at charity events and fundraisers throughout Cochrane and area.
With teams that travel across the province such as the Bow Valley Grizzlies – who play in the Calgary Rugby Union’s second division – the club has been able to give other teams and organizations both locally and afar a taste of Cochrane class and hospitality.
“We try to spread the Cochrane brand and get involved as much as possible,” Battistone said.
“Locally, we’re in the Labour Day parade, on Canada Day events at Mitford Pond, we’re out doing security, and we’re in all of the schools coaching and doing gym classes trying to promote the sport of rugby. We’re always out volunteering and our large presence is starting to get noticed.
“People appreciate what we do to help build the community.”
