Rugby Canada paid tribute to longtime builder/supporter Pat Aldous as well as all of the sport’s volunteers, awarding its 2020 Chairperson Awards to both.
The awards are handed out annually on behalf of the chair of the Rugby Canada board of directors.
Aldous is a former national team player and Rugby Canada chair who continues to serve on the board for the Canada Sevens tournaments which he helped create.
“Pat has been a true warrior for Canadian rugby, on and off the field,” board chair Tim Powers said in a statement. “He served with intelligence, integrity, and guts … I know Pat is not one who seeks recognition or the spotlight, but I wanted to ensure we took steps to properly thank him for all he has done — Pat is a truly deserving recipient of this award.”
The second Chairperson Award is believed to be a first in the history of Rugby Canada, going to volunteers across the country rather than an individual.
“For obvious reasons, 2020 has been a year unlike any other,” said Powers. “However, during the final 10 months of the year affected by the pandemic, we have seen the best of our rugby community.
“From coast to coast, rugby club volunteers gave selflessly to ensure our community game could continue, in whatever form was safe. They served as COVID safety managers, organized alternate rugby programming or helped co-ordinate fundraising efforts to aid their clubs in sustaining and recovering.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2020
The Canadian Press