Ottawa, Ontario—Equine Canada has named Mike Gallagher of Saint John, NB, the 2008 Volunteer of the Year.
Over the years Gallagher has shown enormous commitment to equestrian sport in Canada. He has taken on a remarkable number of roles over the years—including competitor, coach, horse show organizer, judge, eventing technical delegate. He has also been the chair of the Canadian Eventing Committee, president of Horse Trials Canada, chair of Eventing High Performance, chair of Equine Canada Sport Council and a member of the Equine Canada Board of Directors.
Since 2000 Gallagher has been the director of the Canadian Olympic Committee representing equestrian sport on the COC Board of Directors, and he has also represented Canada on a number of occasions at the Federation Equestre International (FEI) General Assemblies.
Gallagher has also taken on the role of Chef de mission for the Canadian Equestrian Team at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, 2006 World Equestrian Games and 2007 Pan American Games. His high level of professionalism, enthusiasm and passion for the sport not only make him an athlete favourite, but his diplomacy and positive outlook garners respect from everyone he encounters.
“I am truly surprised to receive this award, and I genuinely appreciate the honour and privilege of working with our teams,” said Gallagher. “It has been a really rewarding experience.”
“Mike is definitely the quintessential role model for hard-working volunteers across the country, and I am thrilled that he is again being recognized with this prestigious award,” said Kerri McGregor, who nominated Gallagher for the award.
The ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award, sponsored by BFL Canada, is presented every year to an exceptional volunteer who has contributed to equestrian sport and to Equine Canada. It is presented to someone who has dedicated himself or herself to Equine Canada and it’s ideals, who have worked tirelessly for the improvement of the organization, and who has had a noticeable impact on the sport.
A true example of each of these qualities, Equine Canada is proud to name Mike Gallagher the 2008 Volunteer of the Year.
At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala on Saturday, February 7, in Ottawa, ON, Gallagher was presented with the 2008 Equine Canada Volunteer of the Year by Equine Canada president, Al Patterson, and Jackie Wedley of BFL Canada.
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