Brian Tapscott – Community Builder

The Guelph Ringette Association (GRA) is nominating Brian Tapsoctt for “Community Builder”. Brian is the “heart and soul” of the association because of his outstanding commitment and dedication to the sport and youth in Guelph. Over the past 7 years, he has been one of our leading volunteers in relation to coaching, association management, equipment management, tournament organization, fundraising, ice scheduling, and liaising with other Ringette Associations. He has devoted over 500 hours of his time each year, which has served to form the foundation of the GRA in our community.

A sample of Brian’s commitment to this association and the community includes:

· Assisted in doubling the membership of the GRA through a combination of special events and sponsorship activities; including distributing GRA flyers to school boards and ‘learn to skate’ graduates, organizing free “on-ice” sessions for all community youth as a means to try ringette.

· Participated on the GRA Executive for the past 6 years in a variety of roles including Coach/player Development, President, Past-President, Sponsorship and GRA representative to North Wateroo Ringette League

· Coached various GRA teams in past 6 years including house league and Provincial teams

· Has been involved in the organization and execution of the GRA Annual Ringette Tournament, which in recent years has attracted over 80 teams from across Ontario and Quebec and made a substantial contribution to the funds raised by GRA

· Organized and directed the GRA “Springette” series for the past 3 years (5 – 6 weeks of informal and fun ringette at the end of the regular season)

· Is an active promoter of ringette and sportsmanship within Guelph through his participation on the Guelph Youth Sports Advisory Council

· Organized several sessions for parents in the area of “promoting sportsmanship” and “leading by example”

· Assisted other families by offering to drive parents and players to out-of-town games and tournaments on a regular basis and assisted new players families by providing equipment

· Organized the 1^st GRA Family Campout, now held annually at Guelph Lake Conservation Area in June, as a way of continuing friendships through the off-season

Brian is constantly thinking about new ways to increase both the exposure of ringette to the entire community as well as enhancing the positive experience for existing players. At every occasion, Brian promotes and lives by the ORA philosophy of team play, sportsmanship, and fair play for all. There is no better an Ambassador for Ringette or the GRA than Brian Tapscott.