Doug Bassett was one of four people recognized for his years of volunteer work in Elk Point as he received the 2007 Energize Award. The award goes to people who help develop and deliver recreational programs in their community and is sponsored by the Alberta government, along with the Alberta Sports, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Since the province began handing out awards almost 30 years ago, 177 Albertans have been honoured.
Bassett is well-deserving of the award. He has volunteered for 20 years with Elk Point minor baseball, 20 years with the Elk Point Lions Club, 13 years with minor hockey, 12 years with the arena operating committee and seven years with the Elk Point agricultural society.
Bassett’s community involvement also extends to the provincial level. He is a director, on the Baseball Alberta board and he has been president and director on the organizing committee of several provincial hockey and baseball tournaments. He also spent time with the Elk Point Oilmen’s Association and covers sports for the Elk Point Review.
He said he was very honoured when he heard he won the award, particularly since he was one of only four people recognized and because the town nominated him. Bassett received the award at a ceremony in Edmonton on Oct. 27. Before arriving at the event, he didn’t think the ceremony would be such a big deal.
“There was the four of us and they took us for cocktails and later, they brought us in with bagpipes,” he said. “It was a lot bigger than I thought, to be honest with you.”
Although Bassett has volunteered in the Elk Point community for over 20 years, he didn’t expect to be helping out this long. basically started when my son was playing T-ball and then baseball. Then I went up to midget with him and then just kept going. Same thing with hockey. It all started really with my son and daughter and I just kept it going from there.
“It’s all stuff you enjoy and it doesn’t seem like a big deal,” said Bassett. “The award doesn’t seem like a big deal because it’s stuff you enjoy doing anyway. I’ll take it though; it’s that big of an honor.”
Looking back on his volunteering; Bassett said that just seeing the kids grow is the one thing he’ll never forget. And he still plans on volunteering his time for the kids in Elk Point and surrounding area. “I enjoyed the kids I’ve coached and watched them all grow up. Most of them invite me to their wedding and come and visit me all the time. I just try to help them go in the right direction and that’s what I get out of it. I don’t plan on quitting yet either. I still plan to keep coaching ball for as long as I can.”
Congratulations, Doug the Review’s proud to have you on our team!
