International Peace Garden
 
Winnipeg judo coach Gary Sova was honoured recently with Coach of the Year honours by the Royal Canadian Legion Sports Foundation.
Sova, head coach at the Legion Athletic Camp’s judo program since 1987, was humbled by the award which was presented by camp founding father and head coach George Phillips

 

 “I was shocked and surprised to be recognized as such and in front of my peers in the coaching fraternity,” said Sova, who aside from filling the position of vice-president of Judo Manitoba is co-founder of Winnipeg's Inner City Judo Club in 1982 and assistant provincial coach since 2002.

 

“The Judo camp is an enjoyable experience and the environment of the International Peace Garden with the forest and the symbolism between the two countries of Canada and USA makes it extra special.  Each year we also bring in an internationally recognized judo coach who not only motivates the athletes but the coaches. You get to see each of the athletes grow and gain experience during their week here.”

Judo camp was held during Week 5 of Week 6 at the multi-sport summer sports camp located at the International Peace Garden.

Sova joins recent recipients Brandon’s Vicky Wilson, 2006 equestrian; Swan Valley’s Duane Whyte, 2005 basketball; Killarney’s Glenn Perrin, 2004 elementary and Brandon’s Dave Malowski 2003 for basketball.

 

The Legion Athletic Camp, which ran from July 8 – Aug 18, offered 10 different sports over six weekly sessions. The sports offered were beginners track, advanced track, basketball, elementary, equestrian, gymnastics, judo, soccer, volleyball and wilderness.

 

More than 1,200 school aged athletes and 124 coaches attended.