Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services named youth basketball coach Karon Lewis as the winner of its first Dave Miletich Volunteer Coach of the Year Award.

Lewis was recognized for his ability to inspire young athletes, teach with patience and enthusiasm, and create an environment where kids grow their skills, have fun and leave every game smiling, a news release states.

The new annual award honors volunteer coaches who demonstrate “the compassion, encouragement and community spirit” that defined Dave Miletich, a longtime city employee who died in November 2023, according to the news release.

“Volunteer coaches are the heart of our youth sports programs,” David Perlick, the director of Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, said in the news release. “It’s exciti

See Full Page