Whistler skier Robbie Dixon was one of 82 British Columbia athletes recognized this week when Premier Gordon Campbell released his 2005 Premier’s Athletic Awards.
The athletes were a mix of male and female athletes from 43 different sport disciplines.
"With the excitement of Canada’s outstanding performance in Torino still fresh in our minds and hearts, and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games just around the corner, now is an exciting time to be a rising athlete in B.C.," said Campbell. "I congratulate all the athletes being honoured today for their hard work, exceptional talent and commitment to excellence."
To qualify for an award, honourees had to be participating in the B.C. Athletes Assistance Program. The BCAAP provides about $700,000 to support about 1,500 athletes with grants ranging from $500 to $3,500.
The successful athletes were recognized for their achievements in the 2004-05 competitive season. In 2004-05 Dixon, 20, was a member of the B.C. Ski Team, where he caught the attention of national team coaches. He joined the national men’s development team this year, and recently earned a spot with the World Cup team after placing second in the Nor Am super G standings.
