From two-time Stanley Cup champion to community champion, Dwight King is currently the Recreation Manager of Flying Dust First Nation. (photo/SPRA)

By Kenneth Cheung

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Dwight King receives Leadership Excellence Award for inspiring youth through sports

Nov 20, 2024 | 10:02 AM

The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) has announced the 2024 Sask Recreation Awards winners, honouring four individuals and organizations for their commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities.

One of the recipients is Dwight King, a member of the Flying Dust First Nation. He earned recognition as a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014. Currently, Dwight is making a significant impact in his community and is honoured to receive the Leadership Excellence Award for his contributions.

“It is more so just knowing that we are giving the kid the opportunity over the fact of receiving the award itself,” King stated.

In recent years, King has devoted his efforts to fostering a spirit of sportsmanship within the Flying Dust First Nation, inspiring the youth by sharing his passions and enthusiasm for sports.

“I think for myself, sports is kind of giving me a lot of opportunity, primarily hockey, in my shoes, and I can kind of relate to what lessons and opportunity go hand in hand in sports. It feels fitting to be able to provide some services and some opportunity for the next generation,” he noted.

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Flying Dust First Nation is located seven miles south-west of Meadow Lake.

Through his dedicated efforts, he established a fitness facility at the Pineridge Ford Place Arena and introduced various sports training programs, including track, hockey, and baseball. Additionally, he plans to incorporate martial arts programs, allowing youth to experience a wide range of sports and helping them unlock their full potential.

Looking ahead, Flying Dust First Nation and Meadow Lake will be the primary hosts of the Saskatchewan Winter Games in 2026. King is eager to be among the youth to promote sportsmanship and encourage greater community involvement.

“I’m just trying to put our best foot forward and play sport as a means of transportation to better our community and our youth,” he noted.

Other recent award winners include Keith Wilson from Unity, who received the Volunteer Champion Award; Val-Choo-Foo from Swift Current, who received the Leadership Excellence Award; and the City of Regina, which received the Community Wellbeing Award. Each recipient was also awarded $1,000.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com