2014 Jump Canada Volunteer of the Year

Frances “Fran” McAvity of Vancouver, B.C., was honoured as the Jump Canada Volunteer of the Year for 2014 in recognition of her loyal support and dedication to the furtherance of the hunter and jumper sport in Canada.

McAvity first joined Equine Canada in 1963 and is a well-respected national judge and steward. She is also an FEI steward in jumping and eventing.

A competitor since the age of eight, McAvity was a very well-rounded rider who showed in Amateur Owner hunters, equitation classes, Intermediate level dressage, High Junior/Amateur Jumpers and was a member of the Canadian Three Day Event Team in 1975.

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In addition to her officiating duties, McAvity is also a tireless volunteer. She has been a board member of the British Columbia Hunter Jumper Association and on the Horse Council British Columbia. Her Jump Canada duties included the Competitions Committee, CET Medal Committee, Athlete & Domestic Development Committee and the Rules Committee. Every volunteer role that McAvity has taken on has benefited from her extensive experience and incredible dedication.

McAvity has also volunteered on the organizing committees of BC Summer Games (Jumping Chair), BCHJA Fall Finale; Southlands Riding Club Spring and Fall Horse Shows; 1982 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in Maple Ridge, BC; and is a member of the Ring Committee at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

As a long-time member of the CET Medal Committee, McAvity recently attended the inaugural Royal West Tournament in Calgary, Alta., to help facilitate the first ever CET National Medal Finals held in the West.

“Fran McAvity has made a huge contribution over the years to one of Jump Canada’s most important programs, the CET Medal series,” said Elizabeth Bordeaux. “The CET Medal is a prestigious jumper equitation series started 26 years ago through the generosity and vision of Barbara Anderson of Calgary. Fran has run the regional finals in British Columbia for that whole time, and she also ran the national finals at The Royal for the first 25 years. In addition, Fran heads the CET Medal Committee, which is active in keeping the rules up to date after input from riders and coaches. Jump Canada owes a big debt of gratitude to Fran for her dedication, and we are delighted to present her with our Volunteer-of-the-Year award.”

“It’s overwhelmingly special to receive this award,” said McAvity. “I do it because I love the sport and it’s my gift back. It’s about providing opportunities for young athletes to rise and bringing the Canadian equestrian community together. If I can help in any way, I will. Thank you to Jump Canada and the entire equine community.”

“Fran McAvity has been one of our hardest working volunteers for many years. She is incredibly efficient and dedicated and a worthy recipient of this award,” noted John Taylor, Chair of Jump Canada.

In its inaugural year, the 2001 Jump Canada Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Alan Chesler of Orangeville, Ont., while Mark Samuel of Toronto, Ont., was honoured in 2002 for his dedication to Canadian show jumping as the first Chair of Jump Canada. In 2003, Chesler was once again named the recipient based on his dedication to the success of the FEI Children’s Final held in Calgary, Alta. In 2004, Craig Collins of Loretto, Ont., was recognized for the hundreds of hours of volunteer service given to both Jump Canada and Equine Canada as a whole. Claudia Cojocar was the recipient in 2005 for the countless hours she devoted to the development of coaching standards. The Jump Canada Hall of Fame Committee was honoured with the award in 2006 in recognition of their dedicated support of Canadian show jumping. Victoria Andrew of Nepean, Ont., has been closely involved with the coaching certification program and the transition to competency based education and training, and she was recognized for her efforts in 2007. In 2008, Lisa Cieplucha of Georgetown, Ont., earned the award for her countless hours spent working with Equine Canada and Jump Canada as a valuable official, volunteer, clinician and committee member. Jump Canada Past Chair Elizabeth Bordeaux of Surrey, B.C., won the award in 2009 for recognition of her dedicated support of Canadian hunter and jumper sport. Barbara Mitchell of Orangeville, Ont., was honoured in 2010 for her dedicated support and development of hunter and jumper sport in Canada. In 2011, Pamela Law of St Lazare, Que. won for her countless hours of Jump Canada committee work, while Mike Lawrence, also of St Lazare, Que., received the award for his contribution towards the betterment of the sport while working on numerous Jump Canada committees in 2012. Margaret “Muffie” Guthrie of Guelph, Ont., won the award in 2013 for all her behind the scenes work on sponsorship and fundraising.