Image: City of Abbotsford / Abbotsford residents Dr. Calvin Dyck and Jasmit Singh Phulka will receive civic awards in November for their community service.

By Don Mitchell

Community Achievement

Violinist Dyck, wrestler Phulka to receive Abbotsford civic awards

Sep 11, 2024 | 10:58 AM

ABBOTSFORD – A renowned concert violinist and a freestyle wrestler are set to receive honours from the city of Abbotsford.

Dr. Calvin Dyck and Jasmit Singh Phulka will be recognized with a pair of awards highlighting their achievements and dedication to the local community.

Dyck will receive the Order of Abbotsford for nearly 25 years of contributions to the city’s cultural sector as a music teacher, performer, and conductor.

With a doctorate in violin performance from the University of Southern California, the 62-year-old is the founding director of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra and the Songs, Strings, and Steps concert event series, which promotes high-quality arts programming across the city.

He also holds an honorary doctorate in humanities from Trinity Western University and received an associate diploma in violin performance from The Royal Conservatory in 1982.

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Meanwhile, Jasmit Singh Phulka, who has represented Canada in wrestling for more than 15 years, will receive the Community Champion Achievement Award.

He has enjoyed success on the world stage, winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and securing his first international tournament victory at the age of 16 during the 2010 Youth Commonwealth Championships in Singapore.

Phulka is also a 12-time Canada Nationals medalist, a two-time Senior Pan-American Silver Medalist, a five-time Canada World Team Trials Champion, and a 2020 Olympic Trials Champion.

Locally, he has been a wrestling coach for over a decade, mentored at-risk South Asian youth with the Abbotsford Police in a program for over three years, and volunteered at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

He is also the creator of an annual toy drive that has raised more than $100,000 in cash and toy donations for Canuck Place and BC Children’s Hospital.

“Through their undeniable talents in music and sport, along with their incredible community service and volunteerism, Calvin and Jasmit have made tremendous contributions to our city,” Mayor Ross Siemens said.

“Their impact is wide-reaching and is sure to leave a lasting legacy.”

Both Dyck and Phulka will receive their awards at a ceremony on November 1.