Local volunteer wins award of excellence from Skate Canada

A volunteer who has devoted more than 30 years to the development and promotion of figure skating in Claresholm has been honoured with an award by Skate Canada.
Donna Moses was presented with the Skate Canada Volunteer Award of Excellence for the Alberta/Northwest Territories/Nunavut section for 2020 in a virtual ceremony on May 28.
“I was surprised and pleased for sure,” said Moses, in a phone interview on June 5. “It’s nice to be recognized by your section and your peers.”
The award celebrates more than 30 years of hard work and dedication.
“Donna’s life-long passion for figure skating is evident through the many volunteer roles she has held at the club, region and section levels,” said a post by the section on social media.
“Donna was president of the Claresholm SC (skating club) for 21 years. Beyond the club level, she served as south region representative, regions committee chair, and vice-chair on the section board. Most recently, she served as section chair from 2015 to 2019.
“As chair, she enjoyed attending events around our section and across Canada to support and celebrate our athletes, whether in an official capacity, or simply because she’s an enthusiastic spectator.
“Donna’s dedication, knowledge, and attention to detail was outstanding. She was instrumental in leading key changes with board governance and strategic planning. Her contributions are lasting and continue to make an impact on our section. Her calm, kind demeanor and loving support of figure skating will always be remembered!”
Usually, the awards banquet is held in conjunction with Skate Canada’s annual general meeting, this year scheduled for Moncton, New Brunswick.
Several national skating champions were also supposed to present the various awards.
Emily Bausback, the Canadian women’s champion, was scheduled to present Moses with her award.
Bausback still did that but it was via video conference.
This was the second time Moses won this award, winning it back in 2004.
Her 30-year, distinguished career in skating concluded in 2019 when she closed out her term as chair of the section.
The award caps off a lifetime of achievement, but Moses sees it just as a part of helping skating grow.
“When you’re passionate about a sport and want to see it develop,” she said, “it (volunteering) is just what you do.
“It’s a pleasure to help all that come true.”