By Leslie Ann Bent
This year, STARR initiated an annual award to recognize a member for his or her contributions to the club, demonstrating fun, fellowship and fitness through running.
Vince Trahan was a founding member of STARR and a long-time competitive runner. He mentored many club members over the years. Vince was a competitor in all the island series races and other races, but also volunteered, including at the Victoria marathon. Vince served as treasurer for STARR for many years and also wrote all the race reports for all the members. In addition to being a true athlete and volunteer, he was a friend to everyone who joined STAR and made them feel welcome.
I am delighted to announce this year’s recipient as Robin Wark. The presentation was made to Robin at our year-end lunch on Saturday.
Robin is very worthy of the first award in Vince's name. Some of the things mentioned were Robin's long-time service as club secretary and all the tasks that go with that – maintaining the website and facebook, monitoring and answering the club’s email, booking meeting rooms, taking minutes, posting race reports, and writing & sending all correspondence with club members. He is a quiet hero, taking care of the smooth running of the club.
Some comments made about Robin through the nomination process:
o Robin is so kind and supportive, very similar to Vince
o Robin is the silent hero of the club
o He is our 1st contact and 1st welcome to the club. He goes the extra mile to make include people and make them feel comfortable
o I know that Vince would approve of Robin receiving this award.
o Sets personal goals to better himself.
o Makes new members feel very cared for when he checks in on them via email if we haven't seen them for awhile.
Robin provided some comments stemming from the award and provided some insight about his involvement with the club:
"I am honoured and greatly humbled to receive an award named after Vince. I really feel each member of STARR makes great contributions to the club in their own way. I can't thank Vince, Jackie and Steve K. enough for the impact they've had on me as a person and a runner. I've just tried to help carry on the club culture they and others have established. I appreciate all that they and our current and past executives and members have done for me."
Q: I know you had a good rapport with Vince. What does winning the award in his name mean to you?
A: I am honoured and humbled to receive an award named after Vince. Early on in my time with STARR, I was in awe of his running ability, while that did not fade as time went on, I became more impressed by his character."
Q: You do a lot for STARR and the members who nominated you mentioned many things you do for the club. What volunteer activities you do for the club bring you the most satisfaction and joy?
I enjoy all of the activities I do. I greatly enjoy getting to know new members.
Q: What club activity (ies) in 2022 did you personally like the most?
Collecting for the Christmas Bureau is one of my favourites as it allows us to give back to the community in a small way and see members of the community. Also, the New Year's Day run and polar bear dip is always great!
Q: In the category for fitness through running, do you have any running goals for 2023? Do you have a favourite source for improving your running?
A: I'm hoping to run the Westcoast Sooke 10K. I learn so much from other members, but also maintain my Runner's World subscription.