NEWS RELEASE
April 20, 2006
View this event's photo gallery.
Ontario Sport Awards Highlight Top Athletes For 2005
TORONTO – The McGuinty government is honouring the outstanding performances of Ontario Sport Award nominees who motivate and inspire Ontarians to be more physically active and involved in sport. Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson will present awards to winners such as Team Ontario Women’s Volleyball, coaches Joely Christian and Lee Barkell, four Athletes of the Year and others at the Ontario Sport Awards tonight in Toronto.
“Sport and physical activity are critical elements in the promotion of healthy active living in this province,” said Watson. “The athletes, coaches, volunteers and corporate sponsors who are being recognized at tonight’s event are excellent role models for all Ontarians and I would like to extend my congratulations and my thanks to each of them.”
The Ministry of Health Promotion is committed to supporting Ontario’s amateur athletes and helping them achieve excellence. Through the Ontario Sport Awards the province pays tribute to athletes and those who support them.
Recipients of athletic awards this evening will include:
- Martha Deacon – Rolph Lund Jule Nisse Award
(for lifetime achievement in sport) - Team Ontario Women’s Volleyball – Team Of The Year
- Joely Christian – Female Coach of the Year
(Coach of Team Ontario Women’s Volleyball)
- Lee Barkell – Male Coach of the Year
(Coach of Olympic medalist Jeffrey Buttle)
Awards for Female and Male Athletes of the Year, as well as Female and Male Athletes of the Year with a Disability will be announced at tonight’s event. Nominees in these categories include: figure skater Jeffrey Buttle and speed-skater Kristina Groves who achieved excellence in 2005 and went on to win medals at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino; and 2004 Athens Paralympians, wheelchair track athlete Chelsea Clark and blind sport track athlete Stuart McGregor.
Syl Apps Awards will be presented to volunteers who have dedicated countless hours and contributed to the development of sport in the province. Corporate Sport Citation Awards will recognize corporations that have been leaders in supporting sport through sustained corporate involvement over several years.
“On behalf of the athletes and coaches, we are thrilled to be recognized as Team of the Year for 2005,” said Joely Christian, Female Coach of the Year. “The true measurement of our success was not in winning gold at Canada Games, but in the recognition that we as a team reflected the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence. We are thankful to the Ontario Volleyball Association and the Ministry of Health Promotion for their support and for this recognition of our efforts.”
The Ontario Sport Awards were introduced 39 years ago to acknowledge top athletes and sport supporters. The evening is organized by the Sport Alliance of Ontario,in partnership with the Ministry of Health Promotion.
The Ministry of Health Promotion was established in June 2005 to improve and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in this province. Key priority areas include Ontario’s smoke-free strategy, healthy eating, active living, injury prevention and mental health.
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For further information:
Rui Manuel Estevão
Minister’s Office
416-326-8497
Julie Rosenberg
Ministry of Health Promotion
416-326-4833
