Ross Rumbell Award Recipient: 1994

Bob Howlett was a radio announcer and the voice of the Karate Canada National Championships from 1981 to 2004. Recognized in 1994 for his Outstanding Service to Karate in Canada, Bob was also the National Tournament Director from 1988-1994. He served as Vice-President of Karate BC and was the BC Delegate to what was then the National Council of Karate Canada. His goal was to create a spectator-friendly National Championships, ensuring they were an exciting, vibrant event for all involved. His most important contribution to karate though occurred behind the scenes. As Tournament Director, Bob introduced a resolution to the Board of Directors in 1988 to permanently ensure equity at the National Championships for women and men competitors in all facets of the competition, particularly weighting points for a gold medal the same points for both genders towards the province’s overall point total.   The Board unanimously agreed. This decision represented a key landmark in changing the prevailing attitudes to the roles of women in Karate Canada. Bob has often stated that he was attracted to karate because, “Being a Black Belt is so much more than having one.