The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have announced that longsnapper Chris Cvetkovic has been named the recipient of the 2012 Ed Kotowich ‘Good Guy’ Award, which recognizes a Blue Bomber player for their excellence in combining football ability, team camaraderie and extraordinary effort in the community.
Cvetkovic is a previous recipient of this honour, having also taken home the award back in 2006. The 11-year CFL veteran has made Winnipeg his home year-round since 2005 and has become very active in the community from the beginning. This year, Cvetkovic started a not-for-profit organization called Cvet’s Pets that helps local Winnipeg No-Kill Animal Rescue Programs. Cvet’s Pets holds numerous fundraising events throughout the city including poker tournaments, socials and autograph signings. Cvetkovic is also very involved with Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba among many other charities and is always the first Blue Bomber to volunteer his time for appearances during the season and offseason throughout the province of Manitoba.
The award honours Ed Kotowich – a former outstanding offensive lineman who played for Winnipeg from 1955-1961, playing in three Grey Cup games (’58, ’59, ’61).
After retiring as a player, Kotowich worked with the Winnipeg Rods as an offensive line coach and later with minor football programs at Winakwa and Windsor Park Community Clubs. He also served as an alderman for the city of St. Boniface between 1968 and 1977 and worked on a number of community boards, including the St. Boniface Parks Board, the St. Boniface Museum and the Knights of Columbus.
Kotowich was an outstanding player on the field and was even more outstanding in the community and this award goes to the Bomber player who best represents what Kotowich was all about.
