NORWICH – The Norwich Family YMCA recognized its 2016 YMCA Hero Award recipients at a special ceremony at the Canasawacta Country Club in January, where they took an evening to highlight the importance of local volunteers and their impact on the community.

“Our YMCA volunteers give men, women, and children of all ages – from all walks of life – the resources and support they need to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure,” said Norwich Family YMCA Executive Director and CEO Jamey Mullen.

The annual YMCA Hero Awards ceremony was created in 2009 under the leadership of Steve Benenati as an opportunity to formally recognize local volunteers who give their time and efforts to the Norwich Family YMCA, and the community in general.

“Volunteers are the canvas of what the YMCA stands for and was conceived from,” said Mullen, citing the fact that the YMCA movement was spearheaded by volunteers in England 172 years ago – 17 years before the Norwich Family YMCA would be created, also by volunteers. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization and our community. They are our heroes. Your commitment, dedication, and support are greatly appreciated and have not gone unnoticed.”

According to Mullen, the Hero Award recognition program is a sampling of the community and the Norwich Family YMCA’s many volunteers. Nominations are received by the YMCA staff, board members, past recipients, and YMCA members, often by people who are inspired by the efforts they see on behalf of the volunteers.

Since the YMCA Hero Awards’ inception, the Norwich Family YMCA has honored roughly 60 area individuals and groups in categories including Youth Volunteer, Adult Volunteer, Employee Volunteer, Board Volunteer, Trustee Volunteer, and Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2016 YMCA Hero Awards recognized two youth volunteers, four adult volunteers, and one employee volunteer, who are listed as follows:

Youth Volunteer:

• Matthew Giglio