Equine Canada has named Jan Stephens as the 2010 Volunteer of the Year.
Stephens, a native of Oakbank, MB has been a member of Equine Canada since 1974. She has been a volunteer, an owner and an official, and in every role, she has demonstrated her love of the sport, her passion for the welfare of the horse and her commitment to excellence.
Currently, Stephens is the chair of the Equine Canada Steward Committee, an Equine Canada Senior National Steward, and sits on the Equine Canada Officials, Competitions and Equine Health and Welfare Committees. As a Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Steward—the highest level of Steward—in the disciplines of jumping, eventing and reining, Stephens accepted the position of FEI Steward General for Canada representing those disciplines in 2008. As the chair of the Equine Canada Stewards Committee, Stephens also conducts clinics across Canada for the purpose of recruiting and developing new stewards.
During her stewarding career, Stephens has officiated at countless national and international events including the 1999 Pan American Games held in Winnipeg, MB, and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held in Lexington, KY.
“Jan not only gives excellent clinics—where her teaching skills rise to the fore—but she also inspires many people to get involved in equestrian volunteering, or go the extra mile to accomplish more than they had ever dreamed of,” said Elizabeth Bordeaux, who nominated Stephens for the award.
“I am proud and privileged to be part of the Equine Canada family, and I thank Equine Canada for allowing me to do what is my passion,” remarked Stephens. “It is the soft, liquid eye of the horse that we have the opportunity to protect.”
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 its ideals, who has worked tirelessly for the improvement of the organization, and who has had a noticeable impact on the sport.
At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala on Saturday, January 29, 2011, in Ottawa, ON, Stephens was presented with the 2010 Equine Canada Volunteer of the Year by Sara Runnalls of BFL Canada, and Equine Canada president, Michael Gallagher.
More from Horse Sport:
