CCAA says goodbye to long-serving convenors
Alf McGuire, who served 20 seasons as Badminton Convenor, and Mireille Béland, the Women’s Basketball Convenor for the past seven seasons, are stepping down from their positions with the CCAA.
June 10, 2015 – The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association is saying goodbye to two long-standing convenors.
Alf McGuire, who served 20 seasons as Badminton Convenor, and Mireille Béland, the Women's Basketball Convenor for the past seven seasons, are stepping down from their positions with the CCAA.
McGuire, of Vancouver Island University, has been the face of CCAA badminton for the past 17 seasons. He served one term as convenor from 1994-96 and after one season away, McGuire returned to the Association for 1997-98 season. He's been the convenor ever since.
Béland, of Vanier College in Montreal, has been convenor since the 2008-09 season. She has taken on an increasing role at Vanier as the Student Life Coordinator.
Both McGuire and Béland were honoured by the CCAA at the annual general meeting this week in Fredericton, NB. They received a plaque and a gift from the Association.
"The CCAA is so fortunate to have such dedicated experts in our sports like that of Alf and Mireille," said Sandra Murray-MacDonell, the CCAA's Executive Director.
McGuire has been a constant advocate for the sport of badminton in the CCAA whether it was ensuring the Association had an annual host in place, discussing product with badminton equipment suppliers or facilitating the assignment of officials to championships, he was invested in everything badminton.
"Alf has an attitude that nothing is insurmountable, no task is too great or not worth the effort," said Murray-MacDonell. "His positive influence resonated at championships and meeting, making it always a joy to work with him."
During his long tenure as Convenor, McGuire has been committed to his mission of developing the sport.
"Through the years he has been a strong advocate for the operation of first class National Championships and he has been an invaluable resource for the host committees," said Leigh Goldie, CCAA President.
At the CCAA board table, McGuire has represented badminton in a totally professional manner and has been a leader in presenting workable solutions to help the sport through some tough challenges, according to Goldie.
"His contributions have been immense," said Goldie. "A man of seemingly endless energy and an appreciation for life, Alf will be missed by both the CCAA and the sport of badminton."
Rodney Wilson
CCAA Communications & Events Coordinator / Coordonnateur des communications et des événements