History of the Peachland Volkssport Club and Award
Volkssporting, translated from German as “the sport of the people” originated in the mid-1960’s in Europe in response to the need for some type of outdoor sport, free from competition, for people of all ages. The movement grew rapidly.
In 1968, the International Volkssport Verband (IVV) or International Federation of Popular Sports was formed to promote Volkssporting throughout the world. Today, this organization has active associations in over 40 countries.
Volkssporting made its debut in Canada in the early 1980’s and has grown steadily ever since.
Our Peachland Volkssport Club was actually chartered in Kelowna in the fall of 1996. The Club formally moved to Peachland in March 2000 as Gilberte Bourk-Jones the founding President and most of the nucleus of members lived in Peachland. Today, we are 80 members strong and growing.
Walking is the primary activity for most Volkssport Clubs with regular and special events being held throughout the year.
When we were approached by The District of Peachland to participate in the 2002 awards Night, we jumped at the chance, as it was an ideal way to publicly honour our founding President for her dedication and perseverance, without which the club would not be what it is today or in fact may not have survived.
The Peachland Volkssport Club has created a new award, The Outstanding Contribution Award, which we plan to present on a “when warranted” basis.
The Outstanding Contribution Award was presented for the first time, on 12th April 2002, to Gilberte Bourk-Jones in recognition of her “Outstanding Contribution” to both our club and Peachland.
Mike Linley