On March 11, at the AGM for Federation du Sport Francophone de l’Alberta, Étienne Vaillancourt, the math teacher and Athletic Director at Ecole Beausejour in Plamondon, was given the 2020 Sports Ambassador Award.
The award goes to an outstanding member in the athletics community that goes above and beyond what is expected of them, and Vaillancourt does just that.
He started working at Ecole Beausejour in 2001, and in 2003 he began the sports program at the school. He was also coaching the new community volleyball team, starting the annual hockey tournament, Hockey en Fête, and was in charge of it for 11 years, and also was involved in the Alberta Francophone Games — as well as countless other clubs and sporting events throughout the years.
His never-ending willingness to give up his free time for the betterment of his schools sports teams, and other sporting events in the hamlet, made him an obvious pick for the award.
“When they told me I won the award I was shocked — but also very proud,” says Vaillancourt. “I love sports and to be acknowledged for the work I have put in is really amazing.”
Vaillancourt is grateful for the people — family, friends and collegue — who have helped him get to where he is today.
“If I wasn’t surrounded by good people, I would not have given my time to any clubs or schools,” says Vaillancourt. “I just wanted to thank the people that supported me all those years, and especially my wife because everytime I’m gone she is backing me up with the kids. I wouldn’t be in this position now without all the people that have supported me.”
