Murray Koch Youth Development Award

Special Olympics Alberta awards the Murray Koch Youth Development Award every year to a community or affiliate that has lead the way in creating youth-friendly programming.

The award was first given out in 2009 and named after Murray Koch to recognize his valuable contributions to Special Olympics Alberta and his continued involvement with the Motor Dealer's Association Charity Classic.

“I was taken by surprise when they announced that this award would be named after me. I was stunned that they would do something like this in my honour … but I was also very pleased.” Koch said. “Special Olympics has always touched my heart. I think anybody who gets involved with Special Olympics says the same thing.”

Koch, former owner of Koch Ford Lincoln and former president of the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta, helped found the Charity Classic in 1984. The event has grown to become the largest private donor to Special Olympics Alberta and has raised more than $4.5 million to date.

“When you start something like this, you never think of 25 years,” Koch said. “I’m very pleased with the way it has turned out. The MDA has never lost sight of the fact that Special Olympics has been our one and only reason for running the tournament.”

The criteria for the Murray Koch Youth Development Award include the expansion of current programs to create a youth-friendly environment. This includes promotions, starting new programs specifically targeting young athletes, and hosting a Youth Games or Young Athletes Clinic in the community.

To nominate a community program or affiliate for the Murray Koch Youth Development Award, please fill out the following form.

Murray Koch Youth Development Award Nomination Form

Submission due: August 31, 2013