Sports have a way to bring people together, whether it’s the team becoming friends or their families supporting them. A great coach can be instrumental in making a team thrive. The recipient of this year’s adult Civic Recognition Award is Jason Boyda, best known for coaching many sports teams in Yorkton.
Boyda said it was humbling to receive the award, as he’s knows many people in the city who deserve recognition.
“In the city of Yorkton there are so many outstanding citizens that give back to the community, and I’ve just been fortunate to be one who has been recognized. It means a lot to me, I feel very honored and privileged to receive the award.”
Best known for football and basketball, Boyda will coach wherever he can and said it’s part of his goal to give back wherever he’s able.
“[Sport] has given so much to my family and myself. It’s my small part of giving back, that’s what we’ve preached to our football players, to our basketball players, to our athletes. Once your playing career is done, give back to the community that has given so much to you, and pay it forward.”
The reward for a coach is seeing the kids succeed, and Boyda has seen many kids in the area go on to play sports at a higher level, or go on to successful careers. He said that coaching is about helping people achieve their goals, and seeing kids go on to succeed beyond school is a proud moment.
“I feel like they are my own children. All of the accomplishments they get after moving on, whether scholarships, playing at the next level, going to university, trade school, starting their careers, I just feel like a proud papa that I’ve had a small little part in helping them out.”
This may have been the most challenging year for sports not only in Yorkton, but the world, as COVID-19 cancelled most of the sports starting in March of this year. While kids couldn’t compete, Boyda said that they were busy finding ways to stay in shape and make the most of the situation and stay ready for when the world gets back to normal.
“You’ve always got to make the most of a crisis.”
Boyda said that he doesn’t view it as work, but instead a passion, and that’s what drives him.
While Boyda received the award, he describes himself as “a small part that probably has the loudest voice,” emphasizing that you can’t have a successful team without a team behind it. In terms of winning the award, he thanks everyone who plays a part.
“I was just really thankful. Thankful that I have such a supportive wife and family, friends and those coaches that help me, administration, and the community and the parents. Because it’s all of us who come together and make the most of the opportunities we’re given for our children.”
