Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards Program 2023

RECOGNIZING ACHIEVEMENTS IN2023

14th Annual Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards Contents

Athletic Performance Awards

Jr Female Athlete - Amalia Yavitu - pg. 4

Jr Male Athlete - Owen Parker - pg. 5

Sr Female Athlete - Jamie Brown - pg. 6

Sr Male Athlete - Cooper Williams- pg. 7

Master Athlete - Michael Wagner - pg 8

Athlete with a Disability - Braeson Schacher - pg 9

Special Olympic Athlete - Moriah Van't Land - pg. 10

Amateur Team - U13 AA Lethbridge Hurricanes – pg. 11

Sport Excellence Awards

Coaching Excellence Community Coach - Jennifer Cochrane - pg. 12

Coaching Excellence High Performance - Caroline Reimer - pg. 13

Officiating Excellence - Francis Rankin - pg. 14

Volunteer in Sport - Kurt Parks - pg 15

Volunteer in Sport - Gord Cox - pg 16

Dr. Gary Bowie Sport Event Excellence - Lethbridge Curling Club and General Manager Kirk Mearns - pg. 17

Leadership Awards Spirit in Sport Awards

Shaun Ward Sport Champion - Alan Hansen - pg 18

Sport Administrator - Angela Mann - pg. 19

Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen - Zane Chief Moon - pg. 20

Knud Petersen Spirit in Sport - Kamryn Sandberg - pg. 21

Junior Female Athlete

AmaliaYavitu

This award is presented to an athlete, considered in their sport to be at a junior level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

Amalia Yavitu is the Level 5 allaround gymnastics provincial champion. 10-year old Amalia shines as a dedicated leader in artistic gymnastics. In 2023, Amalia made history as her club's first provincial champion since 2009. Just recently, Amalia repeated the accomplishment, becoming the Provincial Champion in the level 6 division. Amalia's kindness and inclusivity extend beyond the gym, where she excels academically and serves as a role model for her peers. She embodies the values of perseverance, teamwork, and kindness Athletic Performance Awards

Junior Male Athlete

OwenParker

This award is presented to an athlete, considered in their sport to be at a junior level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

Owen Parker, a junior high multisport athlete has demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and podium placings in football, basketball, badminton, and athletics. His achievements include Bantam football - silver medal, basketball city championship - gold, badminton city championship - bronze, athletics at the city level - shot put - first place, 100m, and 200m - second place, at the zone level100m - second place, and shot put - third place. On the football field, Owen is not only an exceptional player but also a supportive teammate, fostering a cohesive and positive team environment.

Senior Female Athlete

JamieBrown

Sponsored by University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics

This award is presented to an athlete, considered in their sport to be at a senior level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

Jamie Brown, a fifth-year standout in volleyball, has been recognized with multiple awards including the women’s Kodiaks Athlete of the Year and All-Conference outside hitter. She played a key role in her team's successful season, contributing to their highest finish in program history during the ACAC Championships. Jamie was also award ACAC Player of the Year, and CCAA Academic AllCanadian. Throughout her time with the Kodiak women's volleyball program, Jamie has exemplified the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Her efforts both on and off the court have inspired those around her to strive for excellence. Athletic Performance Awards

Senior Male Athlete CooperWilliams

This award is presented to an athlete, considered in their sport to be at a senior level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

Cooper Williams has impressive blend of athleticism, skill, academic excellence, and leadership qualities. His achievements in both cross country and indoor track include All-Conference Team honors, bronze at the cross-country championships, and gold at the indoor track championships. Cooper was a large part of his team winning bronze at cross-country championships and gold at indoor track championships. As a rookie student athlete in the college scene Cooper was awarded the ACAC Rookie of the year for the entire conference, and is a CCAA Academic All-Canadian. He is an outstanding student athlete both on the course and in the classroom

Master Athlete

MichaelWagner

This award is presented to an athlete considered in their sport to be at a master or veteran level, who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

Michael Wagner is a founding member of the Lethbridge Pickleball Club. He has earned numerous accolades in provincial, national, and international competitions, including Gold at the Palm Creek Tournament USSP, Gold at the Western Canadian Championships in Medicine Hat, Gold in doubles and mixed doubles at the Crown of the Continent event in Big Fork Montana, and Gold at the 2023 Canadian National Pickleball Championships. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Michael's leadership within the Lethbridge Pickleball Club has been invaluable. Serving as Treasurer and providing mentorship to players of all levels, Michael has played a significant role in fostering a vibrant pickleball community in southern Alberta.

SpecialOlympic Athlete MoriahVan'tLand

Sponsored by

This award is presented to an athlete with a disability who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication at their level of competition

Lethbridge College Kodiaks Athletic Performance Awards

Moriah Van't Land is an athlete in figure skating and rhythmic gymnastics. In 2023 Moriah competed at the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games in the Level 1 Women’s Singles figure skating event, winning gold As a result, Moriah was selected for the Team Alberta 2024 Training Squad and selected to compete at the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games held recently in Calgary, where she earned a gold medal. Despite facing challenges, Moriah has excelled in her sports, representing Lethbridge with pride at competitions. Her dedication to her sport, coupled with her infectious enthusiasm and love for the sport, as well as her sense of humour, make her a true inspiration to us all. 2023

Athletewitha Disability

This award is presented to an athlete with a disability who exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication at their level of competition

BraesonSchacher Athletic Performance Awards

Braeson Schacher embodies, hard, work, dedication, joy, natural athleticism, and a love for sport . Braeson is an athlete, mentor, and volunteer, who achieved podium finishes in the CrossFit Open and represented Team Canada at the World Disabled Waterski Championships. This past year, Braeson was named the recipient of the 2023 Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Male Adaptive Development Athlete of the Year He has been competing for only three years in water skiing, and at the recent world championships contributed the most team points for Canada where they came away with a silver medal and made it on the podium for the first time in Adaptive Water Ski history in Canada.

Amateur Team

This award is presented to an amateur team that exhibits the highest level of skill, performance, and dedication to their sport at their level of competition.

TheLethbridgeHurricanesU13AAhockeyteamweretheHockeyAlberta ProvincialChampionsin2023 TheteamenteredtheChampionshipsasthe SouthCentralAlbertaHockeyLeagueSouthDivisionChampions,and continuedtheirimpressiverunbygoing5-0attheProvincialChampionshipsto capturegold.TheHurricaneswereahard-working,defensiveteamallyearand theChampionshipswerenodifferentastheHurricanesonlyallowed4goals overtheirfivegamesfacingthebestteamsinAlberta.Theteampossessed genuinecamaraderieandcommitmenttoeachotherandtheircommunity.

CommunityCoach

JenniferCochrane

Sponsored by Sounds Unlimited

This award is presented to a coach who has achieved outstanding coaching performances and dedicated themselves to grow and develop amateur sport at a community level. The recipient of this award exemplifies dedication and leadership that allows athletes and sports teams to grow and shape sport in Lethbridge.

Sport Excellence Awards

Jennifer Cochrane is a skating coach with over 2 decades experience. In addition to being an NCCP Provincial Coach coaching STARSkate and CANSkate with the Lethbridge Skating Club, Jen is also former competitive figure skater and a registered nurse. Jen has been an asset to the club and athletes for many years and has recently been especially appreciated by the board for her work to adapt the core programming and events to meet the evolving needs of the club, while ensuring it is fun and functional for the athletes. Jen’s warm and welcoming personality creates a positive culture within our club, inspiring skaters of all ages to pursue their dreams.

HighPerformanceCoach

CarolineReimer

This award is presented to a coach who has achieved outstanding coaching performances and dedicated themselves to grow and develop sport at a national or international level. The recipient of this award exemplifies dedication and leadership that allows athletes and sports teams to grow and shape sport in Lethbridge.

Caroline Reimer is the head coach of two Team Canada Junior Roller Derby teams. Through her leadership and dedication, Caroline has guided her athletes to much success, including third and fourth-place finishes at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup. Her contributions to roller derby in Lethbridge continue to inspire athletes and coaches alike. In addition to coaching nationally and internationally, Caroline continued her role as head coach of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild and served on the board of directors as league treasurer.

Officiating Excellence FrancisRankin

This award is presented to an official (paid or volunteer) who is registered with a local, provincial, or national sport association and has demonstrated outstanding commitment and excellence in their role as an official.

Francis Rankin has been a hockey official for over 50 years. He currently serves as Secretary/ Female Development for Hockey

Alberta, South Region which includes overseeing the Female Officials program for Hockey Alberta. Francis is a advocate for young officials, nurturing their talents and helping them grow into confident and skilled referees, while still personally officiating approximately 100 games per season. His integrity and inclusivity set the standard for sportsmanship, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected on and off the ice.

Sponsored by Volunteer in Sport KurtParks(Co-recipient)

ENMAX Centre

This award is presented to a volunteer who has made an overwhelming contribution to Lethbridge sport that is consistent with our award values in the areas of leadership, sport development, innovation, and growth.

Gord Cox and Kurt Parks were nominated concurrently by their colleagues at the Lethbridge Ringette Association. The association tells us, “both Kurt and Gord exemplify everything that any association could ever ask for in a member.”

Kurt Parks has served on the Lethbridge Ringette board for eight years as the Director of Officials and Director of Player Development. His commitment to equitable team formation policies and mentorship of young officials has been instrumental in fostering a positive environment. In addition to his board role, Kurt is a volunteer coach for both ringette and softball, and is an official. As a coach, Kurt possesses a unique talent for recognizing and nurturing the individual strengths of each athlete, creating a cohesive, successful team. 2023 Sport Excellence Awards

Sponsored by Volunteer in Sport GordCox(Co-recipient)

This award is presented to a volunteer who has made an overwhelming contribution to Lethbridge sport that is consistent with our award values in the areas of leadership, sport development, innovation, and growth.

Gord Cox and Kurt Parks were nominated concurrently by their colleagues at the Lethbridge Ringette Association. The association tells us, “both Kurt and Gord exemplify everything that any association could ever ask for in a member.”

Gord Cox has served on the Lethbridge Ringette board for six years. As the Director of Ice Allocation his efforts have optimized ice allocation and strengthened partnerships within the community. As a coach and official, Gord's integrity and fair-mindedness have earned him the respect of players and colleagues alike. In addition to Gord’s role on the ringette board of directors, he is also a volunteer coach and official. Though his passion lies in coaching, Gord recognizes the need for officials and is willing to step up and help out whenever he could.

Dr. Gary Bowie Sport Event Excellence

Named in recognition of Dr. Bowie for his instrumental role in shaping our community’s strong sport hosting culture. As the founding chair of the Lethbridge Sports Bid Committee, and the Lethbridge Sport Council, he has a strong belief in the role hosting local events plays in the development of sport and the enhancement of community.

Sponsored by LethbridgeCurling ManagerKirkMea Tourism Lethbridge

This award is presented to an individual, organization, or event to honour their outstanding contributions towards Lethbridge’s strong reputation for quality event hosting.

Kirk Mearns and the Lethbr Western Alberta Mixed Dou December 2023. Kirk spear brought together 24 top-ra

Kirk and the Lethbridge Curling Club have consistently raised the bar, hosting a multitude of events that enrich the sport of curling and strengthen our community Since 2017 when Kirk Mearns became the general manager of the Lethbridge Curling Club they have successfully bid on and hosted many high-end events including 13 provincial championship and qualification events, the 2017 World Seniors/World Mixed Doubles, the 2019 World Mens, and the 2022 Tim Hortons Brier.

There are also countless volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to make these events possible. They give tirelessly, often sacrificing many hours of their lives to ensure the success of each competition. The depth of our volunteer base speaks volumes about the thriving curling community we have, and it is Kirk's organizational direction that serves as a guiding light for this dedicated crew.

Sport Administrator AngelaMann

This award is presented to a sport administrator (paid or volunteer) who has made an overwhelming contribution to Lethbridge sport that is consistent with the Lethbridge Sport Council vision, mission, and values.

Angela Mann became the administrator for the Lethbridge Skating Club in 2021. With over 30 years of experience as a trained Skate Canada coach Angela brings immense knowledge to her current role always willing to jump in where needed, assisting the coaches and the board of directors, significantly impacting the club's success. Angela works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure their programming is organized and well executed to Skate Canada standards. She provides strong leadership in allowing the club to deliver inclusive and quality programs for skaters of all ages and abilities. 2023 Leadership Awards

Shaun Ward Sport Champion

AlanHansen

Sponsored by Webmarks Design & Marketing Ltd

The lifetime achievement award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a sport leader who exemplifies LSCAA values as demonstrated in ground breaking organizational leadership, innovative practices, influential communications, cutting edge sport marketing or positioning of the community sport sector.

This award is named in honour of Shaun Ward, who over the many years as City of Lethbridge Alderman and before that as a citizen of Lethbridge has been an enthusiastic and respected champion of the community sport sector

ntributions to gby in the munity span lan serves as a ograms, boards, and ssroot sport. ing member of d Lethbridge stling program several bid and including the ncial Wrestling

Sponsored by ServusCreditUnion

OutstandingSportCitizen ZaneChiefMoon Servus Credit Union

Thisawardispresentedtoayouth whoparticipatesinsportinanyother capacitythatenhancesthesport environment.Thisyoungperson exemplifiesvaluesofintegrity, inclusiveness,personalgrowthand development,cooperation,advocacy, andapositiveimageforsport.

Zane Chief Moon is a Spirit North Youth Program Leader and Assistant Community Program Leader. His efforts have been particularly remarkable introducing young Indigenous players to the game of lacrosse. Zane is a mulitisport athlete, participating in lacrosse, baseball, and cross country, winning a bronze medal with his U19 lacrosse team at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. As a standout player on the field and a dedicated volunteer off the field, Zane embodies the values of integrity, teamwork, and leadership.

Knud Petersen Spirit in Sport

KamrynSandberg

Sponsored by

Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame

This award recognizes and celebrates a community hero who exhibits values that capture the magic that lives within sport that inspires, motivates, and captures the hearts and minds of the community.

Knud has been passionately involved in sports in Lethbridge in every role imaginable and was the first recipient of the Spirit in Sport award in 2010 In 2015 when the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame

Kamryn Sandberg, the Lethbridge e Alberta Sports & iation For The Blind ocal dragon boat with vision ey named d Ambition’. Kamryn's with the team's e made a presence at festival, challenging nspiring the their determination riers. In addition to s to Blind Ambition, n the board of Lethbridge Sport nteers at Lethbridge g, a therapeutic m for those with se. Earlier this year ed with a YWCA District Women of d

LETHBRIDGE SPORT COUNCIL

Board of Directors:

Erin Low, Chair

Christopher Campbell, Vice Chair

Dave Sehn, Secretary

Chantelle Erickson, Treasurer

Dr. Gary Bowie, Founding Chair

Chad Chief Moon, Director at Large

Todd Caughlin, LC Appointed Director

Ada Larson, LC Appointed Director

Neil Langevin, UofL Appointed Director

Bill Halma

Mike Medhurst

Knud Petersen

Shannon Court

Myles Fletcher

Keegan Brantner

Tyson Kwasney

Travis Grindle

Jennie Sudo

Staff:

Susan Eymann, Executive Director

Tanya Whipple, Communication Manager

Shawn Daye-Finley, Program and Event Coordinator

Will Sharpe, Community Coordinator

Martin Lawrence, Sport Tourism Assistant

Michelle Gibb, Bookkeeper

Nominations for the 2024 Awards will open in the summer of 2024, and will be accepted until January 31st, 2025.

https://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/achievement-awards

City of Lethbridge Liaisons: www.lethbridgesportcouncil.ca