(Left to right) Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) president Judy Smith proudly presents the CCAA Community Service award to Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) executive director Blair Webster, on behalf of Durham College athletes on June 10, in Charlottetown, P.E.I. at the national body’s general meeting.

Durham College student athletes were honoured for their community service efforts June 10 when they received the 2010 Community Service Award in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Lords team members were recognized by the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) at the national body’s general meeting. This is the first time an Ontario college has won the community service award and marks the second time that DC athletes have won a national award.

Ken Babcock, athletic director of Durham College was very excited upon hearing about the award win. “It’s terrific to be recognized for our process and direction,” he said. “It’s a real tribute to the athletes.”

Babcock says community values are instilled in the athletes from day one. Three key traits all Lords athletes must possess are pride in their program of study, commitment and effort. Athletes bring their talents to the table and in turn, must give something back to the community, which helps pave the way for motivation and future success.

As a firm believer of community interaction, Babcock encourages all teams to become involved with charity events. “Once they get involved, they really believe in it and continue to do it,” he said.

Under the Lords Care program, some of the community events that DC athletes had the opportunity to participate in during the 2009-2010 academic year were Hoops for Haiti and the Movember campaign, raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer.

They also participated in the School is Cool program which wrapped up recently. Athletes attended elementary and secondary schools doing presentations for students, spreading the word about staying in school, being active and helping out in the community.

DC athlete Mandi Doris, who played for the women’s volleyball team, had a positive experience participating throughout the year. “Encouraging people is a natural thing to me,” she said. “You don’t learn those traits in the workplace.”

Not only was Doris graced with the opportunity to help others, she also represented the community as an Olympic torch bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics in February and received the Founder’s Cup award at convocation. “Community service is about taking the extra time that I have to help others in any way,” she said.

Community service programs within the athletic department at the college are growing and Durham is touring more schools each year. Congratulations athletes!