Wayne Kinunen and KYSL are practically synonymous. Wayne spearheaded the youth soccer program here in Ketchikan even using his basement as an equipment storage facility. He worked to establish financial stability for an organization that provides travel opportunities for youth from ages 6-18, sponsors soccer clinics, recruits referees and coaches, and identifies business sponsors. Wayne tirelessly seeks new ideas such as helping to establish a high school soccer program that features both boys' and girls' teams. In fact, KYSL is also a model league for being inclusionary of students with special needs.

Wayne is recognized for building the assets of community values youth, adult role models, positive peer influence, youth program, youth as resources, bonding to school, responsibility, interpersonal competence, personal power and service to others.

Kinunen remarked that it's a great honor and that he accepted the award on behalf of many other people noting there are many volunteers, coaches, referees. Kinunen said he is really proud of the whole group.

Kinunen's award was presented by Marty West.

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