Ross Rumbell Award Recipient: 2012

Leslie Bowers joined Karate BC in 1999 and gained immediate respect while investing significant time helping to grow the sport provincially and nationally. Leslie was instrumental in the development of developing karate for women, starting the first Women’s Karate Club in Victoria that welcomed 115 members. He continued to grow the sport upon his move to Lethbridge, Alta. while establishing a club at the University of Lethbridge that is still thriving today. Leslie became the chief official in Karate Alberta and popularized officiating in that province. He became a PKF and WKF Referee and kata judge, often scoring 100% in tricky theory examinations. The former Vice-President of Karate Alberta and Secretary of Karate Canada, Leslie sadly passed away in 2013 but will be forever remembered or his quirky humour, insightfulness, tenacity and selfless contribution to the growth and development of the sport.