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.

Liz started riding ponies at 9 years old, and rose through the ranks representing Canada in show jumping. She went on to attain multiple international titles, and by 1972 rose to a 3rd ranking in the world. She switched disciplines from show jumping to eventing winning a Team Silver medal at the 1975 Pan American Games. In 1976, Equine Canada named Liz “Canadian Horsewoman of the Year” and in 1978 she was Captain of Canada’s Gold medal winning team at the World Championships. She also represented Canada at two Olympic Games.

Liz helped pioneer Canada’s Equestrian Coaching Certification Program, served as the Athlete Representative on the Canadian Olympic Committee and was Director of the Canadian Equestrian Team. In 1992, the Governor General presented Liz with the prestigious 125th Anniversary of the Confederation Medal in recognition of her contributions to Canadian sport.

Liz also had a notable academic career and completed her PhD in Education Administration at the University of Texas. In 1994, she was appointed President of Camosun College and under her vision, the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence was created.

Liz sat on numerous community boards including President of the Victoria 2000 Summer Games. She received numerous awards for her service including the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee medal, Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Royal Roads University, and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.