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Friday, February 27, 2026

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Garett Rempel's community impact recognized

with Sportsperson of the Year honour

By Eoin Devereux

Years of dedication both at the diamond and on the ice has earned Garett Rempel Neepawa’s highest sporting honour.
On Friday, Feb. 20, Rempel was named the recipient of the 2025 Anne Kuharski Memorial Sportsperson of the Year award. This prize recognizes individuals whose efforts have strengthened Neepawa’s sports and recreational community through leadership, service and volunteerism. Named in memory of Anne Kuharski, a well respected community member and former director of operations for the Yellowhead Centre, this honour is given to a person who has made a meaningful difference through sport.

Dedicated to giving back
For Rempel, his volunteer journey began at a young age. Early on, he dedicated his time to coaching youth sports, while also supporting initiatives such as the Neepawa Breakfast Club. Over time, his contributions grew to include skill development and program leadership. For several years, Rempel has organized pitching clinics for Neepawa’s young baseball players.
Hockey has also been a major focus of Garett’s volunteer efforts, as he has played a key role in the First Shift Program, which supports first-time players by reducing financial and equipment barriers.
In addition to his work with youth sports, Rempel is deeply involved in Neepawa’s senior athletics landscape. He was a significant part of the Neepawa Cubs efforts to host the Baseball Manitoba Senior Double ‘A’ Provincials in 2017 and 2018. As well, he was involved in helping to organize the 2023 Viterra Curling Provincials at the Yellowhead Centre and has served on the boards of the Yellowhead and the Neepawa Golf & Country Club.

As if all that wasn’t enough, he still plays baseball and hockey at a high level, being an important part of the roster for the Neepawa Cubs in the summer and the Neepawa Farmers come the winter.
Rodney White, who nominated Garett for the honour, said his commitment to the community is unparalleled.
“Garett has been excelling in sports in Neepawa , but his involvement off the ice and fields has been even greater,” stated White. “I know first hand that if ever asked to help with anything, be it the rink, the curling rink, golf course, baseball diamonds, or anything to do with the teams or youth sports, Garett is always willing to help where he could. Without people like Garett Rempel, our community would not have the successful programs that we have. So for myself and our community as a whole, I would just like to say congratulations to Garett.”

An honour to be recognized
Rempel, who was not expecting the award, told the Banner & Press it was an honour to be recognized by his peers.
“It was a nice surprise, and I feel privileged to get to have my name on the Ann Kuharski Memorial. Giving my time back to the sporting community that raised me is something I really enjoy. I have lived in Neepawa my whole life and want to see the sporting community continue to thrive whether it be youth sports, high school sports, junior hockey, or even senior leagues. Getting to be apart of that in whatever capacity I can is important to me.”
Rempel concluded by noting that as his wife Shayna hope to pass on these types of lessons of giving back to their own children (A 2-year-old and another on the way in April),
“I hope to see them get the same, if not more opportunities than I did while growing up here!”