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A Vancouver mother who launched an inclusive soccer league for kids with disabilities after her own daughter was denied the right to play, will receive the province’s new Medal of Good Citizenship.

Abbe Gates, the founder of Blazin’ Soccer Dogs, will be honoured Aug. 10 at a ceremony for her efforts to include children, teens and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities in sports, Premier Christy Clark announced Thursday.

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“Few people can match Abbe Gates’ passion, dedication and energy,” Clark said in a statement.

“The list of causes and events she has donated her time and talents to is humbling, but even more impressive is the difference she continues to make in the lives of people with special needs.”

Gates is a “real unsung hero,” said Vancouver-Langara MLA Moira Stilwell, who will present Gates with the award.

Gates started the inclusive soccer league in 2007 after her then 11-year-old daughter, Sadie was told by a coach in a local league that she couldn’t play because her Down syndrome was a “liability” against the team’s chances of winning.