New souvenirs for the few, the proud, and the brave — those lucky stiffs! |
| Last year Mark McKee, founder and all-purpose ramrod behind the Kokanee Glacier Challenge Giant Mixed Slowpitch Tournament, announced that he was stepping down as leader of Revelstoke's annual tradition of August long weekend fun. It has taken a year of thought since then but the Glacier Challenge Committee has at last come up with an appropriate tribute to McKee's years of dedication, both on and off of the slowpitch diamond.
"I always admired Mark," said Nelles, "for his ability to bring good people together on a project. He had a dream (Glacier Challenge) and he made it a reality." McKee has stepped out of the limelight, taking on the less-prestigious job of being Mayor of Revelstoke, because he figured it was time someone else had a chance to bask in the Glacier Challenge spotlight. So, after some brainstorming by Nelles and his cohorts Bill Fischer, Ken Talbot, and Dan Donato, was born the Mark McKee Mug in honour of its namesake's 15 years as president of Kokanee Glacier Challenge since the tournament began. "This award is for the team which best symbolizes the concept of the tournament," said Nelles. "That means having fun, meeting new friends, and enjoying themselves." The committee also felt it would be appropriate to balance the situation with a second award for dedication to the Glacier Challenge spirit. Which is an appropriate segue to The Committee Cup. Presented on behalf of all the Glacier Challenge Committee members to one special team each year that travels the farthest to get to Revelstoke in time to take part in the fun that is Glacier Challenge. Given that the Glacier Challenge challenge has extended all over Western Canada and down across the 49th parallel now, there should be quite a number of contenders for both of these awards. |
Committee spokesman Rooster Nelles announced that from now on there will be two — count 'em! two! — more awards presented to those few, proud, and lucky individuals/teams who give their all for the honour and the glory of the Glacier Challenge.