Project Play WNY honorees has local coaches

Contributed Story Posted 8 October 2024 at 1:25 pm

Two Orleans County residents are among the 25 coaches Project Play Western New York (WNY) has named to its annual Coaches Honor Roll.

The local honorees are Coby Albone from Medina for his work with the Lockport Ice Arena and Sports Center and Shaun Smith from Medina for his work with the Lyndonville Little League.

Athletes, parents and members of youth sports organizations from across the eight counties of Western New York submitted more than 200 nominations for 84 coaches. The selected honorees will be recognized at the Thank You Coach event at Highmark Stadium on Oct. 20, in partnership with the Buffalo Bills.

“We’re proud to recognize and celebrate our local youth sports coaches, who dedicate their time to play an important role in young athletes’ lives,” said Aaron Hord, Director, Project Play WNY. “A positive youth sports experience can lay the foundation for children to become healthy, happy adults. The coaches named to the 2024 Coaches Honor Roll all demonstrate the values that help ensure a supportive, nurturing environment for our youth athletes.”

Now in its fifth year, the Coaches Honor Roll recognizes non-scholastic youth sports coaches who work with athletes ages 13 and under. Honorees demonstrate the qualities of a great youth sports coach, focusing on youth development, promoting sportsmanship, and demonstrating leadership and integrity. These coaches also exemplify the values of Project Play WNY, an initiative that aims to provide a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth in the region.