The Vernon and District Funtastic Sports Society Board of Directors are investing their time and expertise in support of improving and advocating for sport and recreation for all in our community.
Join us – together we’re building a better community through sport we can all be proud of.
President Jamie Austin
I have been involved with Funtastic since moving to Vernon in 2004, as a player, volunteer, board member, Vice President, and now president of the Funtastic Sports Society.
We look forward to seeing all the ball players, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers at this years event.
Here’s to making 2023 one of the best Funtastic yet.
1st Vice President Brad Steel
I have been on the Board of Directors of Funtastic since 2015. Over the past several years, as we are a working board, my responsibilities have been doing the Layout, Set-up & Egress (Tear-Down) of the event at the DND grounds.
I have a wealth of knowledge in the events and ball sectors. I have over 40 years’ experience in the arenas, multi-purpose event Centre’s and outdoor events industry. I have procured and hosted major hockey, curling, lacrosse, concerts, stage shows, MMA events at the local, provincial, national and international levels. I have negotiated those agreements and been involved with the production of the events.
I also have a storied history in hockey and fastball/slo-pitch sports as a player and coach for many years at the Provincial and National levels.
I enjoy volunteering on the Funtastic Board of Directors and happy to share my experiences. “It’s a ton of FUN!!!”
2nd Vice President Craig Baker
My name is Craig Baker. I was born and raised in Salmon Arm and started playing ball at three. I’ve never stopped.
After moving to the coast at 18 for 10 years or so, and traveling up to Vernon for many Funtastic weekends. I met my wife and we decided to move back up to the interior.
Vernon it was. Since we moved here I haven’t missed a Funtastic event.
After taking advantage of the tourney for many years I decided to give back and started volunteering. One thing led to another and now I’m on the board
Treasurer Leanne Wickenheiser
I am Leanne Wickenheiser and I am excited to be on the Funtastic board of directors for a second term.
I was born in Vernon and lived in the local area for 6 years before moving to Abbotsford where I grew up. After meeting my husband we moved back to Vernon in 2005 where we currently reside. I have spent most of my professional career in the optical field helping patients with all of their eye care needs.
I’ve been involved with slow pitch since 2000 playing locally including the Funtastic ball tournament since 2006.
It’s rewarding to be involved in planning such a great tournament and I look forward to being an advocate of the sport in our community.
Director Jeff Johnson
Jeff Johnson is a Juno award nominated, 5 time BCCMA producer of the year and 2017 CCMA producer of the year. Jeff’s company Bailey Way Entertainment located in Coldstream B.C., produced and or collaborated with some of Canada’s top country, pop and rock acts including Nickelback, Dallas Smith, George Canyon, Meghan Patrick ,Tyler Joe Miller,, Karen Lee Batten, Lindsay Ell, Tebey, Wes Mack, Madeline Merlo,, Small town Pistols, Brock Andrews and the The Chris Buck Band.
Director Bryan Quint
This is my second year as a board member, in the past I have worked with many artists and helped produce, host and organize many concerts with success.
I have been a resident in Vernon for 58 years and have seen many many changes at Funtastic from it’s infancy until today.
I hope to help them grow and continue to support the community..
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Director Joe Patel
This is my first year on the board and I am very excited to be part of this great event.
I relocated to Vernon to setup my retirement roots, but after pan-demic, I started up my own samosa business.
I love giving back to the community and found that Funtastic is a great way to bring people together.
Director Vinil Sood
Vinil has been living in Vernon for over 10 years. He works with the Quality Inn and Suites Hotel here in Vernon. Vinil is also a registered mortgage broker here in BC. Vinil is excited to be on the board of directors for Funtastic and help with this amazing event.
Director Noah MacLeod
Hey, I am Noah, a visual artist, and the owner of Local Losers; a community focused organization that puts on live music events, creates art based custom apparel, and used to have a physical location downtown Vernon.
My focus is on supporting local youth talent in the arts and music sectors. I have quite a bit of experience putting on events here in Vernon, and am extremely excited to have joined the Funtastic board and be able to contribute to this year’s event!
Manager Akbal Mund
I have been involved with FUNTASTIC since 1994 as a player, board member, Vice President, President and now I am the event manager along with another long time FUNTASTIC board member. We are looking forward to 2023 and want to thank all our sponsors for their continued support of the event.
Administrative Manager Diana Williamson
Wanting to be involved in volunteering in the community, I responded to an ad from Funtastic looking for directors, that was in 2000 and I have been involved since then, minus a couple years.
Throughout the years, I have filled the roles of Director, Secretary, President and now sharing the managerial duties with another previous president.
I have seen many changes over the years from the addition of security, wristbands and technology to the general process of putting on an event to running with a business model. The support of the ball teams, music enthusiasts, sponsors and volunteers contribute to the feeling of pride I have when we are able to donate funds back into the community.
I look forward to seeing everyone back for a fun filled weekend.