Kanwal Singh Neel
PROFILE
Kanwal was an athlete, coach and official with Kajaks Track & Field Club. His passion to give back to the community combined with the thrill of officiating at events where athletes pursue their best and being with others who share a similar passion, has motivated him over many decades to dedicate his time and efforts.
Richmond Roots Kanwal graduated from Steveston in 1971 and taught for 33 years with the Richmond School District. He officiated the RSSAA Championships for many years. In the 1979 Richmond BC Summer Games Kanwal was the sport chair for track and field. He was also host coordinator for race walking at the World Police & Fire Games held in Richmond.
Did You Know He was known as the “Math Guy” while hosting the Knowledge Network’s TV series the “Math Shop.”
Barriers Overcome Due to track and field injuries, Kanwal transitioned from athlete to official in order to continue to be a part of the sport of track and field.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Recognition Kanwal has received many awards and accolades for his dedication to track and field, while having a significant impact on both students and teachers as a prominent educator in the community. He has obtained a doctorate in education as well as being awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
All Awards
| Year | Award | Detals |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | BC Track and Field Official of the Year | BC Athletics |
| 1988 | Olympic Celebration 1988 Award, Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Sports | In conjunction with the 1988 Olympic Games |
| 1992 | Governor General’s Commemorative Medal | 125th anniversary of Confederation – in recognition of contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada |
| 1994 | Commemorative Medallion, XV Commonwealth Games, Victoria, Canada | 1994 Commonwealth Games, Victoria BC |
| 2001 | Commemorative Medallion, World Athletic Championships, Edmonton, Canada | 2001 World Championships, Edmonton AB |
| 2012 | Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | Honoured by the Lieutenant Governor for significant contributions and achievements by Canadians |
| 2014 | Outstanding Alumni Award | Professional Achievement, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC |
Championship He officiated at many local and national competitions along with representing Canada as a technical official for track and field at the 1978, 1982 and 1994 Commonwealth Games, and the 2001 and 2010 World Track and Field Championships.
Championships
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1978, 1982, 1994 | Commonwealth Games | Represented Canada as a technical official |
| 1979 | BC Track and Field Official of the Year | BC Athletics |
| 2001, 2010 | World Track and Field Championships | Represented Canada as a technical official |
| 2016 | Honorary Doctor of Laws | Kwantlen Polytechnic University |
SPORTING HISTORY
Career Stats
| Year | Team / Organization | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1969-1975 | Richmond Kajaks Track & Field Club | Athlete |
| 1971 - Present | BC Athletics & Athletics Canada | Technical Official |
| 1973-1982 | Richmond Kajaks Track & Field Club | Coach |
| 1980 - Present | BC Athletics & Athletics Canada | Clinician and Mentor |
| 2008 - Present | Vancouver Sun Run | Jury of Appeal |
| 2011 - 2014 | BMO Vancouver Marathon | Jury of Appeal |
Contribution to Richmond Sport Since 1971, Kanwal has mentored many athletes and officials in both training and competitions. He has also contributed as a coach, technical official, clinician and jury of appeal committee member at various events.