The mother of an eight-year-old Winnipeg boy who was given a “Captain Cry Baby” award says she stands behind the program director of a youth outreach centre who handed out the joke award following an annual sports tournament.

The West Broadway Youth Outreach non-profit organization handed out the certificate, which they call a "joke award," at the end of the annual floor hockey and basketball tournament over the weekend.

"My son is fine. Ken is a great man who has done so much for these kids. This should not be happening to him. To stain his good name over something so miniscule is uncalled for," Martha Aranguiz said of the WBYO director.

"He came over to publicly apologize. My son opened the door and ran to him and gave him a hug. I broke down and started crying. We both apologized profusely. I, for letting my family take this public and he, for never wanting to hurt or belittle anyone,” she told CTV Winnipeg in an online exchange.

Ken Opaleke, the director of WBYO, issued an apology on Facebook on Sunday.

"I would like to say I am truly sorry. Every year we give out a number of 'joke' awards at the end of our tournament. It is meant to be fun for the kids and they are typically well received," he said.

Opaleke stated that he did not live up to the mission of the organization and takes full responsibility for the incident.

"I want to ensure all children feel safe and supported at WBYO so they can achieve their full potential," he said, adding that he has been director of the organization for 23 years.

"We do not tolerate bullying at WBYO and I apologize for my lack of judgment ... we will take a serious look at what has happened and take the steps necessary to ensure no child ever feels bullied, especially by the people they look up to."

Aranguiz added that her son will continue to attend the WBYO and says her family will stand behind Opaleke.

Read Ken Opaleke's statement on Facebook below: