The City of Dawson Creek took home one award after being nominated in two categories at a national sport tourism awards ceremony.
The city won International Sport Event of the Year (Group B) for hosting the 2025 Para Cup. The category recognizes events with a hosting budget of less than $2 million.
The award was presented earlier this week at Sport Tourism Canada’s PRESTIGE Awards.
The four-team Hockey Canada tournament in the south Peace included the Canadian para hockey team, the U.S., Czechia, and China.
Mayor Darcy Dober said he and staff were happy to win and are excited to build on the win for future events.
“We have a great relationship with (Hockey Canada). We’ve been hosting events since 2009 – so we have a tremendous relationship, but it helps,” said Dober. “(The city) won against some pretty big municipalities.”
Events hosted in Calgary, Edmonton and Quebec City were also finalists for the honour.
Dober said the award belongs to the broader region, crediting the Peace River Regional District and community members who supported the tournament.
Thousands of students from local school districts attended daytime games during the event.
“I believe it was 4,000 youth from the school districts that came down to watch the games. To me, and those volunteers, that’s what it’s all about because the legacy it leaves with them, and inspires them, and gives them hope that lasts a long time. It’s just such a valuable thing,” said Dober.
“It’s such a gift to give those people – the athletes, the community, the region … It’s just a gift to give them this award because it’s because of all of their efforts. It was really amazing,” he continued.
According to the city, the award recognizes the success of international sporting events held in Canada and celebrates leading sport tourism initiatives across the country.
“Myself and (city) council are so thankful for everybody that contributes to the success of these events. It takes a true community,” said the mayor. “It’s very clear that they execute well on that. We have a phenomenal community – and I mean the whole region.”
