STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Chevy Thomas (Alberta Golden Bears)
?Position: Receiver
?Fifth Year | Calgary, Alta. | Arts

Throughout his five seasons with the Alberta Golden Bears, Chevy Thomas has exemplified the core pillars of the Russ Jackson Award: academic excellence, athletic achievement, and outstanding community leadership.

An Academic All-Canadian and respected team captain, Chevy has made a lasting impact both on the field and in the community. He is the Founder and Director of Responsibility 2 Inspire (R2I), a non-profit organization that provides accessible, high-level football development for under-advantaged youth by removing financial barriers to sport participation.

His community work extends to Free Play for Kids, VOICE, and five years of multisport youth coaching. Off the field, Chevy has worked in government roles that focus on diversity, inclusion, youth engagement, and community support — demonstrating a commitment to public service beyond athletics.

"Chevy has been an integral member of this program for five seasons, and even in the ten months I've had the privilege of coaching him, his impact has been inspiring. He was one of our leaders in receiving yards this season and a strong Canada West receiver, but what sets him apart is his heart for young people. Through his non-profit, Responsibility to Inspire, and his efforts sending under-advantaged youth to Kids Camp, Chevy has already changed lives. With his future in government and law, we all know his influence will continue to grow well beyond football. He exemplifies everything the Russ Jackson Award stands for." - Alberta Head Coach Stevenson Bone

"I just want to say how honoured I am to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. I would like to thank my family, who have been there by my side supporting me every step of the way in everything I wanted to. I want to thank the Golden Bears, all my teammates, and my coaches. They have empowered me to always pursue growth, service and excellence; these words are the pillars of our culture at U of A and are words I try to live by each day. Responsibility to Inspire (R2I) to me is really just about fulfilling my responsibility to give back all that was invested in me growing up. As a young man who was blessed enough to have hundreds of people in my life that wanted the best for me, from my family, former teammates and coaches, friends and professional mentors, every step of my journey was aided by someone willing to believe in me. And now as I begin to take the next step, I know I have a responsibility to inspire the next generation because that's what was done for me." - Chevy Thomas