Chris Abbott's Contribution's To Youth Sports Celebrated At Award Presentation
Gamechanger President Sameer Ahuja with Christopher Abbott’s family - wife Amie Abbott and sons Brecken and Gaven.
Gamechanger President Sameer Ahuja presents Christopher Abbott’s Gamechanger Of The Year Award posthumously to Amie Abbott during a special ceremony held prior to the start of the St. Albert - Glenwood baseball game on June 24.
The Abbott family with the special jerseys Gamechanger had made for the Glenwood baseball team in honor of Chris Abbott.
Several of Chris Abbott’s fellow officers with the Bellevue Police Department attended the award ceremony on June 24.
More than 250 youth baseball and softball players showed up in uniform at the ceremony to help honor Chris Abbott.
Officer Christopher Abbott. Field 5 at the Glenwood Recreation Complex is being renovated and renamed Field 165 - his badge number with the Bellevue Police Department.
During the June 24 award presentation ceremony, Gamechanger presented a check for $15,000 to the Glenwood Baseball and Softball Club. The funds will be used for ballfield improvements.
An award presented posthumously to his family last week, will allow the legacy of police officer Christopher Abbott to live on at the Glenwood Recreation Complex.
Officer Abbott, who died at the age of 48 in November 2023 after experiencing a medical emergency, was known for his tireless commitment to youth baseball and softball in Glenwood. His efforts to improve facilities and ensure that every child, regardless of their ability or financial means, had the opportunity to play baseball or softball, left a lasting impact on the Glenwood community. His contributions to the community were celebrated during a special award presentation prior to the June 24 St. Albert – Glenwood baseball game.
In the presence of his family, more than 250 youth baseball and softball players, fellow officers from the Bellevue Police Department and members of the Glenwood community, Officer Abbott was honored as the recipient of the 2024 national Gamechanger Of The Year Award, presented by Gamechanger and its parent company, Dick’s Sporting Goods.
“It is our privilege to honor Officer Chris Abbott as the posthumous recipient of the 2024 Gamechanger of the Year Award,” said Gamechanger President Sameer Ahuja. “This award recognizes individuals who make an extraordinary impact on their community through youth sports. It’s clear that Officer Abbott did that.”
Ahuja said Officer Abbott was selected for the award for his commitment to improving the lives of children and the “culture of baseball and softball in Glenwood.” He noted that Officer Abbott is an example of the important role volunteers play in the betterment of their communities.
Glenwood Community High School Activities Director Jeff Bissen said Officer Abbott “worked around the clock to raise money to make the Glenwood’s youth baseball and softball club be the best it can be.”
“Officer Abbott’s legacy goes beyond the tangible improvements he brought to Glenwood,” Bissen said. “He was a servant leader, a true hero, and his impact will forever be remembered and cherished.”
Amie Abbott accepted the award in honor of her late husband, along with their two sons – Gaven and Brecken.
“He (Chris) just wanted all kids to be able to play,” she said. “Moving forward, I ask that you all continue his work and helping out where you can, whether that be with baseball or another sport or activity.”
She also thanked the Glenwood community for the support her family has received since her husband’s passing.
Along with the award, Gamechanger presented a check for $15,000 to the Glenwood Baseball and Softball Club. Those dollars will be used for improvements to Glenwood’s youth baseball and softball fields. Additionally, Field 5 at the Glenwood Recreation Complex, will be renamed Field 165 - Officer Abbott’s badge number with the Bellevue Police Department.