Peace region hopefuls make it through to top five in Youth Athlete of the Year competition

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Four Peace region young athletes have cracked the top five in their quest to become ‘Youth Athlete of the Year.’

The contest is done by online vote, with the winners receiving $25,000 in prize money and gracing a 3Brand advertisement in the pages of Sports Illustrated.

To qualify for the current round, entrants had to have made the top five ranking in their respective groups by last Thursday, August 28th.

Dawson Creek competitive dancer Addison Webb continues to hold her first place showing in her group, something she’s had for two months. 

Meanwhile, Hudson’s Hope figure skater Stella Matchett finished third in her group, and Fort St. John youth soccer player Bentley Hunt rode a late surge to shoot up to fifth place and continue on to the next round after the deadline.

According to Matchett’s mom, Serena Matchett, the 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year in Hudson’s Hope is “so positive and thankful for all the support she has received from family, friends and her community.”

They are joined by competitive cheerleader Bryce Needham. Originally from Fort St. John, Needham is a competitive cheerleader who has been competing in Kamloops over the past year, according to aunt Lana Greene.

Greene described her nephew as having competed “on the world stage,” with hopes to attend university. Needham sits in fourth place in his group.

The end of voting in the current round is scheduled for 7 p.m. Pacific time on Thursday, September 4th.

The Youth Athlete of the Year supports two charities: The V Foundation, supporting cancer initiatives started by former North Carolina State Wolfpack head basketball coach, the late Jim Valvano; and the Why Not You Foundation, a charity devoted to helping impoverished children through education, founded by National Football League (NFL) quarterback Russell Wilson and his musician wife Ciara.

Visit the Youth Athlete of the Year website for more information and how to vote.

Energeticcity.ca reached out to competitors for further comment but did not receive a statement by publication time.