Don Cherry once said that there must be something in the water in Maple Ridge to produce so many great athletes.

More likely, its the many coaches, parents, volunteers, and kids, who spend countless hours using the facilities that have been funded by Meadowridge Rotary.

From the first project in Albion to the sports court at Pitt Meadows Senior Secondary, to the field at Samuel Robertson Technical, to the track at Maple Ridge Senior Secondary, Rotary has been funding sports projects since its inception in 1990.

Through the years the Meadowridge Rotary Sports Banquet has raised more than $500,000 for long-term sports facility projects in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

“We are blessed with so many wonderful people – not just athletes – but people in general,” said Rotarian and banquet organizer Mary Robson, who estimates more than $20,000 was made at this year’s event from the silent auction and other fundraising.

This year the Home Town Hero nod was given to 20-year-old swimmer Nathan Stein, who just recently returned from winning a silver medal at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

He signed his Home Town Hero poster in front of a room full of family, friends, fellow athletes, and supporters.

Host John McKeachie introduced a number of invited guests who were at the event, including former Home Town Heroes, 2010 recipient Stirling Hart, 2003 recipient Graig Merritt, 2001 recipient Scotty Robinson, and 2000 recipient Lesley McPherson.

Other sports legends like Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi, and professional football players Paul McCallum and Larry Watkins were also present.

Two original Home Town Heroes from 1989 were on hand as well – figure skater Rob Williams and soccer star Karina LeBlanc, who was sporting her recently won bronze medal from the 2012 Olympics.

Stein didn’t put on his new bling until dad Walt Stein brought it to him and hung it around his neck in front of his newly unveiled poster.

“It’s pretty heavy,” he said that evening about his silver medal from the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

“There’s only one place to go from here and I’m ready. I’m scared for everyone else, because I just keep getting faster,” he said.

-Stay tuned for more photos in The TIMES online and print edition