CRAIG KNAPTON COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD
Honouring young leaders who get kids off the sidelines and into the game.
About the Craig Knapton Community Spirit Award
The Craig Knapton Community Spirit Award was created in honour of Athletics for Kids founder Craig Knapton, whose vision was to ensure every child had the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits of sport.
Since founding Athletics4Kids in 2002, Craig has served as a Director, President, and Past President. Through his leadership, dedication, and commitment to community, he has helped shape Athletics4Kids and create opportunities for children and youth across British Columbia.
Presented annually, this $500 award recognizes an Athletics4Kids-funded athlete who demonstrates teamwork, collaboration, perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to giving back through volunteering, mentoring, fundraising, or other meaningful contributions.
2025 Recipient – Besty Y.
Seeing that her school didn’t have a track and field program, Besty didn’t wait for someone else to fix it—she stepped up. She rallied classmates, recruited teachers, and helped launch a team from the ground up.
What began as a modest idea has grown into a thriving program of more than 80 athletes, with many students advancing all the way to provincials.
A black belt in taekwondo and a dedicated volunteer, Besty empowers others through mentorship—teaching confidence, discipline, and resilience as both an instructor and a tutor. Now coaching youth runners, she continues to inspire, lead, and uplift the young people around her—truly embodying the spirit of this award and the legacy of Craig Knapton.
Application Information
Applications for the 2026 Craig Knapton Community Spirit Award are now open.
The selected recipient will receive a $500 award in recognition of their leadership, perseverance, teamwork, and commitment to giving back to their community.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be finishing high school in 2026.
Be pursuing post-secondary education or training during the 2026/2027 academic year.
Have received Athletics4Kids funding at some point within the past two years.
How to apply
Applicants must submit:
A completed and signed application form, including two references from non-family members who have known the applicant for at least one year.
An essay of no more than 500 words explaining how they demonstrate the qualities of teamwork, collaboration, perseverance, leadership, and community involvement.
Confirmation of their chosen post-secondary program or training program.
Deadline
Applications must be received by August 21, 2026.
Completed applications can be emailed to: admincoordinator@a4k.ca
The Craig Knapton Community Spirit Award is part of the broader Craig Knapton Legacy at A4K—keeping his vision alive by supporting the next generation of leaders in sport.