Softball athlete recognized

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Softball player Linus Lucas Jr. from Port Alberni received the 2003 Premier's Athletic Award at the B.C. Sport Hall of Fame and Museum this past June 16. The award recognized his accomplishments during the 2002-2003 athletic season.

Lucas Jr. achieved top pitcher, top batter and most valuable player status in the 2003 Western Canadian Championships where he took home a gold medal. His other accomplishments include a gold medal in the provincial championships and a gold medal in the Western Canada Games.

Lucas Jr. was nominated by his provincial sport organization.

Minister of Small Business and Economic Development John Les presented the award and now Linus Jr.'s picture and playing stats are enshrined in the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame for a year.

The Premier's Athletic Awards recognize the top male and female amateur athletes competing in 48 sports recognized by the B.C. Athlete Assistance Program. The province antes up $700,000 a year in grants to athletes through that program and distributes another $20 million to sports clubs and organizations through gaming and other revenues.