Amateur sport has been key to Kelly’s life since he first played National Little League Baseball. His love of sport was solidified in high school and his contributions at Lansdowne Junior High garnered him the Lansdowne Service Award.

In 1992, Kelly was hired as an Event Manager at the BC Games Society. Described by his peers as innovative, Kelly lead through best practices. He is most proud of moving the BC Games from recreational to developmental for athletes and coaches. At the time in 2002, it was nation leading. Additionally, the Powering Potential Fund he jumpstarted contributes cash to host cities for the purchase of sport equipment benefitting the sport, BC Games and sport tourism.

Kelly was a co-founder of KidSport Greater Victoria and contributed to the creation of Camosun College’s Sport Management program. He has participated as a Board member for many organizations including the Pacific Institute for Sport Education and was an Ambassador for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Kelly has been acknowledged with Victoria’s Sportsperson of the Year, Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero, Rick Hansen’s Difference Maker, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, BC Community Achievement Award, Inspired Service Award from the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2021 was inducted into the Builders’ category at the BC Sports Hall of Fame. He is recognized as a great mentor, a role he continues today.

Growing up Brian stood as a towering figure in sports in the Greater Victoria region. Coming from an athletic career at Reynolds High School, Brian joined the James Bay Athletic Association. Representing Vancouver Island Crimson Tide (part of the 2000 National Champion Super League Team) and BC Bears, Brian was selected to the Rugby Canada Under 21 Academy program.

Brian then turned his attention to Football and was drafted 39th in the Canadian Football League (CFL) 2006 draft. His career trajectory made him a pivotal figure playing in over 150 CFL games, capping his professional career with a 2015 Grey Cup Championship with the Edmonton Eskimos.

Brian is currently the full-time Executive Director of the CFL Players' Association (CFLPA). His accomplishments include: leading the players through collective bargaining in 2019 and 2022, negotiating a new seven-year Collective Agreement, increased player safety and rehabilitation, revenue sharing, developing a mental health and substance abuse program and increases to the minimum player salaries.

Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Brian Ramsay, his wife Sheri, and their children Leah, Kole, and Jane remain active participants in the local sporting community. Brian and Sheri mentor and give back to the community by coaching and leading various youth teams and development programs. Brian’s legacy inspires aspiring athletes and demonstrates the enduring power of passion, perseverance and dedication.