Ray Green recognized for recreation contributions

By Kathy Johnson

THE COAST GUARD

NovaNewsNow.com

Retired Recreation Director Ray Green is being honoured this week by Recreation Nova Scotia (RNS) for his “outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the profession.”

Green, who worked as the recreation director for the Municipality of Barrington for 22 years, will be presented with the 2008 Professional Development Award at the annual RNS conference in Halifax, which starts Wednesday and wraps up Saturday.

“Ray has raised the profile of recreation through his passion for the field, and his devotion to his work and his community,” reads the award citation. “Ray has always been known for his bigger than life personality and great sense of humor. He has always given freely of his expertise, vast experience, time and energy. Over the years, Ray became the “go to guy” that many colleagues and peers turned to when in need of advice.”

A native of Dartmouth, Green was very involved in his youth with the YMCA as a junior leader and member of the Leader Corps. He was also active in high school sports, playing football, basketball and volleyball.

Green continued his athletic career in university, playing football, volleyball and intramural hockey, as well as referring hockey. As a member of the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Bulldogs football squad, Green competed in the Atlantic Bowl one year, only to lose to the host Saint Mary’s Huskies in what Green recalled as a “mud bowl.”

After graduating from UNB in the 1960s with a Physical Education Degree, Green worked for 12 years as a program coordinator for YMCAs in Yarmouth, Saint John, N.B., and Woodstock, Ontario before beginning his career with the Municipality of Barrington in 1985.

During his time with the municipality, Green was instrumental in the development of numerous recreational programs and events, which contributed social, health, and economic benefits to the community. Among his outstanding contributions is the development of the Nova Scotia Marathon into a world-class event. He was also one of the founding members of the Shelburne County Lobster Festival.

Coach and instructor can also be added to Green’s portfolio, including swimming, gymnastics and softball.

During his career Green also made significant contributions to many professional organizations in various capacities, including the Arena Managers Association, the Recreation Society of Atlantic Canada, the Yarmouth Shelburne Recreation Directors Association, the former Recreation Association of Nova Scotia and RNS.

Now retired, Green is still active in the community, volunteering at both the Nova Scotia Marathon and Terry Fox Run this past summer. He is also involved with school advisory councils for both Forest Ridge Academy and Barrington Municipal High School.

“The spirit Ray has brought to the field still lives today,” reads the citation. “Ray has made his community and the province a better place to live and play, and is a deserving recipient of the Recreation Nova Scotia Professional Achievement Award.”