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Sports Ambassador
Nelson's Sports Ambassadors are committed athletes who strive for success on and off the field. They love to share their sport with the community and can often be found coaching, teaching, or cheering for their favourite teams. They understand the importance of sports and recreation for a healthy lifestyle, are respected by their teammates and competitors, and are an incredible role model.
The Sports Ambassador designation is awarded to an individual athlete, group, team or other individual who achieved a high standard of excellence in their athletic pursuits and who will represent Nelson’s sports and recreational community in a positive, inspiring way.
The City of Nelson invites applications and nominations for the position of Nelson's Sports Ambassador in the fall each year. The Sports Ambassador will be selected by Council and announced at either a Council Meeting or the Annual Reception, and will receive a $1,000 honorarium. 2026 nominations are now closed.
Please direct any questions to the Deputy Corporate Officer by email at smartineau@nelson.ca or phone at 250-352-8234.
2026 Nelson Sports Ambassador
Allen Rollin
Allen Rollin has been a cornerstone of Nelson’s climbing community for more than a decade, helping transform the region into one of Canada’s premier climbing destinations.
He has developed a host of new climbing and bouldering routes in the West Kootenay, making the sport more accessible, safe, and exciting for everyone from beginners to elite athletes. His West Kootenay Bouldering Guidebook has put Nelson firmly on the map as a world-class destination.
Beyond his outdoor work, Allen is a leading route-setter at The Cube Climbing Gym, where his creative and challenging problems inspire skill, confidence, and joy among climbers of all ages.
An elite climber himself, Allen continues to push personal limits while remaining humble, supportive, and deeply committed to mentoring others. Through his passion, dedication, and leadership, Allen truly embodies what it means to be a Nelson Sports Ambassador, elevating both the sport of climbing and Nelson’s reputation as a hub for adventure and community spirit.
Atlyn Proctor
Atlyn Proctor graduated from L.V. Rogers Secondary School in 2024, where she was awarded their Most Outstanding Athlete. As a member of LVR’s volleyball team at the AAA provincials, she was acknowledged as a first Team All-Star. In addition, Atlyn was a member of team U18 B.C.
After graduation, she went to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas on a full scholarship. She plays volleyball for the college’s Blue Dragons as a left side. She was first in the conference for kills. Atlyn earned her second Team All Star this year, and says she hopes for bigger and better things for her team and herself next year.
When City staff told Atlyn she had been selected as our ambassador, she responded by saying: “I am honoured and humbled by being selected for Nelson’s Sports Ambassador as we have such a sports-minded and supportive community. I can’t thank you enough for this, and I am proud to be selected for this award.”
Atlyn is the daughter of Staci and Greg Proctor.
Lola Brouillette won a national boxing title in Sarnia, Ontario in November. Brouillette defeated Daphnee Jutras of Quebec by unanimous decision at the Canadian National Elite and Under-23 Championships. She won gold by using an effective check hook combo and relentless pressure to control the ring. Team B.C. and Nelson Boxing Club coach, Jesse Pineiro, who was the 2021 Sports Ambassador, guided Lola to her gold medal.
Photo credit: Nelson Star
Jazmine Lowther won an ultramarathon in South Africa in November. Lowther was also 7th overall among both men and women in the race. In July, Lowther charged to first place in the women’s 50K races at the Speedboat Mountain Races by UTMB World Series.
Matti Erickson, 21, is on a running scholarship at the University of Oregon. The NCAA middle distance running star has become the first Canadian track athlete to sign a NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deal with U.S. sportswear giant Nike. Erickson has medalled in the men’s 800 meters at the Pac-12 Championship and is the Canadian National U20 champ. The Kootenay Chaos Cross Country Club graduate followed that performance up with a solid third place showing in the 800 m. at the Canadian Olympic trials in June, narrowly missing out on a Team Canada spot for the Paris Olympics.