Donald Black - Sport Builder

Don Black and George Brown enjoying the World Broomball Championships in Tomakomai, Japan! 

We truly believe this award was originally created for all broomball members like Don Black. The ones who give all they have to something and don't expect anything in return.

Don had been on the Saskatchewan Broomball Executive since 2006 when he was appointed as the Non-Contact Chair. In 2010 he was elected as the President and had been in that position ever since. During that time Don was also involved at the National level, sitting at the table ',vhen policies, coaching curriculum, rules, bylaws etc. were being discussed, changed and implemented. He sat on the Regina Men's league board as the treasurer for a number of years, and was also a huge advocate for getting Aboriginals more involved with the sport, be it with the Aboriginal Provincials or the First Nation Winter Games in many capacities.

Don was an exceptional leader, dedicated, knowledgeable, supportive and passionate and his love for the game never went unnoticed. He contributes to the sport in all areas; as a player, an official, a clinician, a delegate, and an overall fan. He set goals, opened doors, shared his insights and provided direction.

Don was always willing to help wherever he could, promoting the sport to youth in schools, hosting successful Provincial, National and International events in the city of Regina,

akways promoting the sport when doing, traveling to other countries to bring awareness to the sport and so on. We was always a phone call away, always giving his best advice, always available to give his time whenever needed.

In 2014 Don and I attended the World Broomball Championships in Japan where we put in our bid to host the event in Regina in 2016. When Don originally approached the Board about this opportunity the excitement in his eyes and in his voice was undeniable. How could they say no! Any way to get Broomball seen at a higher level in Saskatchewan is a

bonus right! Don was in his element in Japan, speaking to people about our lovely city, our fantastic broomball community, bragging about the facilities, networking, telling stories, making new Broomball friends and representing Sask broomball with every breath. At the end of the event at the closing banquet when we were awarded the 2016 Worlds, Don was so excited he pretty much hit the roof he jumped so high and his grin was from ear to ear. I knew right then we were in for a huge under taking but it was going to be amazing! That's when the planning began.

This past year was a challenging one for Don, as he knew that the World Broomball Championships were coming up and that he had the fight for his life on his hands. But this never stowed him down, Don was dedicated to making this event a success, he was as involved in the planning and preparation for this as he could be until his health issues got in his way. Those who know Don know that this didn't stop him. He was always checking in at the office, keeping in contact with the IFBA, hitting the payment looking for sponsors, using his connections as best as he could. When the event finally arrived, Don was on the top of the world. He was literally the first broomball person at the rink, I don't think the evening staff had gone home yet and Don was back at the rink setting things up. He was hands on everyday all day, checking on volunteers, working with the IFBA, or just simply watching the game he loved, minus a few dr's appointments, he never left the event. This is dedication, this is heart, this is passion, this was sometimes pure craziness, but this was Don Black.

The IFBA recognized Don for his contributions to his country and on an International level with promoting broomball, for promoting leadership, camaraderie, and friendship as well in the sport of Broomball.

We as a board feel Don checks all the boxes when it comes to this award, and we would greatly appreciate you accepting this nomination.

It was our great pleasure to work with Don these past 11 years, and wish only that we had more time with him. He graced the game of broomball with honour and class and we will miss him.