RICOH OffICIal Of the YeaR

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RICOH Official of the Year Judy Williams ~ CanoeKayak (Sprint) Judy became a CKC accredited Official in 2000.

This critical role ensured that the two Boat Control stations met the International Canoe Federation requirements.

In 2009 she officiated at numerous Division regattas, CKC National Championships, CKC CanMas Championships, and CKC Selection Team Trials.

1 RICOH Official of the Year Judy Williams ~ CanoeKayak (Sprint) Judy became a CKC accredited Official in In 2009 she was selected as an Official, as well as Boat Control Coordinator, for at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships. This critical role ensured that the two Boat Control stations met the International Canoe Federation requirements. She has twice been elected, and currently sits on the Nationals Officials Committee (NOC). She also sits on the local Atlantic Division Officials Committee. In 2009 she officiated at numerous Division regattas, CKC National Championships, CKC CanMas Championships, and CKC Selection Team Trials. In addition to her time commitment to the World Championships, Judy also volunteered over 200 hours at local Atlantic Division regattas. Judy is a mentor and role model for her peers and respected and trusted by athletes and coaches. Rob Williams ~ Sailing A Senior National Race Officer for many years, Rob was selected by the International Laser Class Association as the Principal Race Officer at the 2009 Laser World Championships. He is in demand for events across Canada but spends a lot of his time training race officials in Nova Scotia. In 2002 he was the Principle Race Officer at the Youth World Championships held at the Lunenburg Yacht Club. For that event he was named Sport Nova Scotia Official of the Year in Lou Davis ~ Softball Lou was selected by Softball Canada to officiate the 2009 International Softball Federation (ISF) Senior Men s World Championship. This is the top international tournament offered at the world level. He has officiated six Canadian Championships (three at the senior level), three International Softball Congress World Championships and will work his fourth in August 2010 in Michigan. In 2005 he officiated the ISF Junior Men s World Championship. Lou has supervised two Canadian championships and will supervise the 2010 Junior Men s Canadian Championship in August. He has also worked the Amateur Athletic Union International Championship at Disney in Orlando six times. The Head Baseball Coach for St. FX University, he was Umpire-in- Chief for the province in 2009 and is a master evaluator and instructor for Softball Canada.

RICOH Coach of the Year Tanya Daniels ~ Athletics Tanya is one of the hardest working coaches in track and field in Nova Scotia despite holding down a full-time teaching job in Bridgewater.

Heptathlon. She was 2009 Legion Team Assistant Coach and also attended Canada Games as a personal coach to two medalists. Tanya is currently working hard to complete her Level III NCCP certification.

2 RICOH Coach of the Year Tanya Daniels ~ Athletics Tanya is one of the hardest working coaches in track and field in Nova Scotia despite holding down a full-time teaching job in Bridgewater. She was the sole summer coach of the Bluenose Athletics Club and managed an impressive load of athletes (60) from developmental to national level through the various meets and championships over the summer. She qualified two for the Pan American Junior Championships in Trinidad and Tobago and traveled at her own expense to help Mattias Wolter win gold in Steeplechase and Rachael McIntosh place fifth in Heptathlon. She was 2009 Legion Team Assistant Coach and also attended Canada Games as a personal coach to two medalists. Tanya is currently working hard to complete her Level III NCCP certification. Mike Todd ~ Sailing Mike was the provincial sailing coach from , preparing athletes for the 2009 Canada Games, the highest level of competition for sailing in Canada. His athletes competed in four events, securing one gold medal and three silver medals. For the first time ever, Nova Scotia won the overall sailing title. Mike also recently achieved certification as a Level 4 coach. Prior to becoming a full time coach, Mike was a very successful sailor in the Laser Class. Mike is the son of Brian Todd who has won the Sport NS Coach of the Year award previously. Natasha Burgess ~ Snowboarding Natasha was the first female Comp-Dev trained Freestyle Snowboard Coach in Canada. She is recognized as one of the few provincial coaches with a strong program that consistently improves on its results. At the 2010 Canadian National Championships she coached Alexandra Duckworth to a gold in the Senior Women s Slopestyle and Stephanie Meagher to a Bronze in the Junior Women s Halfpipe event. She also coached Andrew Armstrong to a best-ever NS finish (15th) in the Senior Men s Slopestyle and Jordan Newcombe to an eighth-place finish in the Junior Mens Halfpipe. Natasha runs the Adrenaline Divas club, a female only club with over 100 members that offers coaching, clinics, and competitions. She also coaches a girls only development program called ProGirls, which she started in 2008.

RICOH Major Corporate Sponsor of the Year Bell Aliant ~ Alpine Ski Nova Scotia CADS NS Bell Aliant jumped on board as presenting sponsor of the 2010 Freestyle Ski Junior Nationals hosted by Ski

3 RICOH Major Corporate Sponsor of the Year Bell Aliant ~ Alpine Ski Nova Scotia CADS NS Bell Aliant jumped on board as presenting sponsor of the 2010 Freestyle Ski Junior Nationals hosted by Ski Wentworth and Alpine Ski Nova Scotia. Their support included cash, wireless internet access, cell phones for organizing committee members, and live online video broadcast. Valued at over $10,000 this sponsorship significantly augmented the level of exposure for the sport and the competition. The video production, in particular, was a fantastic addition. Over 15,000 hits were generated on the site featuring the live webcast. They also provided DVD copies of the broadcast, allowing among other things - the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association to review and use the footage for training purposes as well as further promotion going forward. Aerobics First ~ Triathlon Nova Scotia Locally owned and community driven, Aerobics First has been a sponsor of Triathlon Nova Scotia for many years, but their commitment to the community goes well beyond this. Working with KidsFest, Aerobics First is contributing to a program aimed at elementary school children designed to break the cycle of generational poverty. Aerobics First also redistributes used running shoes to local shelters and programs. And they are behind the Phoenix Youth Shelter s running program. Additionally, Aerobics First sponsors the Aileen Meagher Classic Track & Field event, Credit Union Lung Run, Natal Day race, Joints in Motion, Mac Pass Bridge Mile, Rum Runners, Youth Running Series, and many young local athletes. Giving unselfishly to the less fortunate in order to change lives is the mark of a truly great philanthropist and sponsor. This is the mark of Aerobics First. Nautel Limited ~ Nova Scotia Yachting Association Nautel Limited was the title sponsor for the 2009 Laser World and Masters World Championships. Hosted by the St. Margaret Sailing Club, this was the largest competitive sailing event in Canadian history, with over 500 athletes. As thousands of sailors and spectators from all over the world descended on rural French Village in St. Margaret s Bay, Nautel made it easy for thousands of visitors and local residents to stay informed. They provided the equipment and volunteers required to set up and maintain a temporary radio station at FM with coverage throughout St. Margaret s Bay and around the world via the internet. Their title sponsorship of this event, including their outstanding staff volunteers, was paramount to the event s success.

RICOH Female Team Athlete of the Year Justine Colley ~ Basketball Justine was the only athlete from Nova Scotia who cracked Canada s 2009 Women s Junior National Team line-up.

Justine competed at the 2009 FIBA U19 Women s Basketball Championships in Bangkok, Thailand in August. This is the highest level of play for her age group in the world.

Justine was one of the most highly scouted players in Canada, receiving offers from a number of Division 1 NCAA schools.

4 RICOH Female Team Athlete of the Year Justine Colley ~ Basketball Justine was the only athlete from Nova Scotia who cracked Canada s 2009 Women s Junior National Team line-up. The East Preston native has been a dominant force in women s basketball in Nova Scotia since a very young age. Justine competed at the 2009 FIBA U19 Women s Basketball Championships in Bangkok, Thailand in August. This is the highest level of play for her age group in the world. An energy player, she executed her defensive role flawlessly, averaging 15 minutes of playing time and four points, three rebounds and one assist per game. Justine was one of the most highly scouted players in Canada, receiving offers from a number of Division 1 NCAA schools. Despite this, she chose to stay close to home and just finished her first year starring for Saint Mary s University. Genevieve Orton ~ CanoeKayak (Sprint) Genevieve, and her team, won a bronze medal in the K1 200-metre relay at the 2009 World Canoe Championships. These races are populated by the fastest sprinters in the world and Germany and Hungary (gold and silver respectively) have been the perennial leaders. She took gold in the K4 200-metre at the Mazda Knockout Invitational and two world cup silver medals in the K4 500-metre. At the 2009 National Championships, Genny won silver in the senior women K1 200-metre and silver in Junior Women War Canoe. And while Genny is now a seasoned member of the National Team, the 25-year old Lake Echo native still races for her small town club, providing opportunity and inspiration to younger paddlers. Jessica Wong ~ Hockey Jessica scored two goals, including the game winner, to clinch gold for Canada at the U22 World Championships. During the regular season, the Baddeck native plays for the Minnesota Duluth. In her rookie year, she led her team to gold at the NCAA Women s Frozen Four (national championship), scoring the winning goal late in the third overtime. She s just been added to Hockey Canada s list of 109 players for a camp that identifies the country s future women s hockey stars, including those who could represent Canada at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Russia.

RICOH Male Team Athlete of the Year Andrew Russell ~ CanoeKayak (Sprint) The 2008 Olympian had another strong season representing Canada once again in the C2 at the 2009 World Canoe Championships

Men s Canoe has consistently been Canada s deepest competitive field and Andrew and Gabriel have dominated the National Team doubles entries for the last three years running.

backyard, Lake Banook. At the 2009 Canadian Championships, the 27-year old and his brother, Ben, placed second in the C2 1000-metre.

5 RICOH Male Team Athlete of the Year Andrew Russell ~ CanoeKayak (Sprint) The 2008 Olympian had another strong season representing Canada once again in the C2 at the 2009 World Canoe Championships with partner Gabriel Beauchesne-Sevigny of Quebec. Men s Canoe has consistently been Canada s deepest competitive field and Andrew and Gabriel have dominated the National Team doubles entries for the last three years running. A life long Banook Canoe Club paddler, Andrew came home to race no less than four events, finishing seventh in the 500-metre, eighth in the 1,000-metre and fourth in the 200-metre in his own backyard, Lake Banook. At the 2009 Canadian Championships, the 27-year old and his brother, Ben, placed second in the C metre. John Mattatall ~ Figure Skating John and his partner, Mylène Brodeur of Quebec, earned a fourth-place finish at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in London, Ontario in January. The duo has done well on the international stage, placing fifth at The Rostelecom Cup in Moscow in October where 13 countries were represented. They placed fifth at the NHK in Nagano, Japan in November. The NHK Trophy is an international, senior-level figure skating competition held as part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. They also placed seventh at a Four Continents event in Jeonju, Korea in January. John and Mylène are currently ranked 16th in the World. Derek Gaudet ~ Soccer At the age of 20, Derek is Soccer Nova Scotia s highest ranked male, youth soccer player. Derek competed for Canada at the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Under-20 World Cup Qualifier in Under the direction of Head Coach Tony Fonseca, the Bayside native played every minute during the tournament in Trinidad and Tobago, where Canada finished third in its group. Although the team was not successful in reaching the Under-20 World Cup they did beat Mexico, which is a strong testament to their strength. Derek also represented Canada at the Francophone Games and was invited to an Under-23 Olympic team camp in December.

RICOH Female Individual Athlete of the Year Adrienne Power ~ Athletics Adrienne was the fastest female sprinter in the country in 2009.

She placed 25 th out of 44 competitors in the 200-metre at the World Track and Field Championships.

Among other standards, athletes must run a time corresponding to a top-16 finish at the previous World Championships.

6 RICOH Female Individual Athlete of the Year Adrienne Power ~ Athletics Adrienne was the fastest female sprinter in the country in She won the 100-metre and 200-metre at the Canadian Championships, where she set a Nova Scotia Senior record in the 100-metre. She placed 25 th out of 44 competitors in the 200-metre at the World Track and Field Championships. This is one of the most difficult meets to qualify for with approximately 120 countries vying for a small number of positions. Among other standards, athletes must run a time corresponding to a top-16 finish at the previous World Championships. In that event, she also ran the lead-off leg for the Canadian 4x400-metre relay team. Additionally, Adrienne raced to the world s fastest time in 2009 for the 300-metre, although this event is not as commonly run. Stephanie Walker ~ Boxing Stephanie is the top senior female boxer in the country and the first female in Canada to win the National title in every age category: Junior (15/16), Youth (17/18) and Senior (19+). She won a silver medal for Canada at the 2009 Pan American Championships in Equador. In 2010, Stephanie defeated all competitors to emerge champion in two national events the Canadian Senior National Championships and the Canadian National Final Team Selections. At a 2009 Ringside World Championship tournament in Kansas City, she won a bronze medal. This is among the highest levels at which a Canadian female boxer can compete. Stephanie is poised to represent Canada for the debut of women s boxing at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Alexandra Duckworth ~ Snowboarding Alex has had a phenomenal year, beginning with a secondplace finish at the National Halfpipe Championships in April In the summer, she went to New Zealand to train for the 2010 Olympic Games. Nearing the end of her training she broke her ankle, relegating her to a spot as an alternate. Alex persevered and won a bronze medal at Canada s first-ever Slopestyle World Cup. It was her first World Cup podium finish. In 2010, she had a strong showing in World Cup events finishing in the top 12 at four halfpipe events. At the Halfpipe National Championships, Alex finished sixth and followed this up with a first-place finish at Slopestyle National Championships.

RICOH Male Individual Athlete of the Year Mattias Wolter ~ Athletics Mattias established himself as the top junior steeplechase runner in Canada in 2009.

He went on to capture gold at the Pan-American Junior Championships in Trinidad and Tobago in August.

He won a bronze medal at the Canada Summer Games against competitors up to four years older than him.

7 RICOH Male Individual Athlete of the Year Mattias Wolter ~ Athletics Mattias established himself as the top junior steeplechase runner in Canada in The 19-year old from Bridgewater won the 3,000-metre steeplechase at the Canadian junior championships in July. He went on to capture gold at the Pan-American Junior Championships in Trinidad and Tobago in August. This was the primary national team event for juniors in 2009, with heavy competition, including USA, Jamaica, Brazil, Trinidad, Bahamas, and Mexico. He won a bronze medal at the Canada Summer Games against competitors up to four years older than him. The Nova Scotia junior record holder was also among the top eligible finishers at the Canadian Junior Championships, earning him a selection to compete at the North American, Caribbean and Central American Championships, where he finished sixth in cross-country. Richard Dalton ~ CanoeKayak (Sprint) Richard emerged from a deep, talented Canadian field to earn the right to represent the country in the C1 200-metre at the Canoe 09 Worlds. The Athens Olympian also helped Canada to a fifth-place finish in the C4 1,000-metre. Now a senior member of the Canadian National team, Richard first broke on to the scene as a medalist on the 1993 Canada Games team at just 13 years of age. He has won 32 medals in his international career and continues to inspire younger athletes. For example, the Richard Dalton Classic is a 24-kilometre long distance race, held each November as a season ending competition for local Canoe clubs. David Sharpe ~ Swimming David had a landmark year in the pool, breaking or re-setting 40 provincial records in 12 months. He s the first Nova Scotian male swimmer to win gold at the Canada Games since 1993 and he got two one in the 100-metre backstroke and the other in the 200-metre butterfly. In the same competition he also won silver in the 50-metre backstroke. The 19-year-old Haligonian also won four medals a gold, two silver and a bronze at the 2009 Canadian Age Group Nationals. David s love of swimming began at age three and his demonstrated hard work ethic has helped him accomplish this season s performances including being named to the Canadian National Junior Team.

RICOH Team of the Year Canada Games Men s Basketball ~ Basketball The Canada Games Men s Basketball team entered the Games with high hopes.

They were down early but their determination allowed them to pull out one of the biggest wins in Nova Scotia basketball history. The championship final against Quebec was a back and forth affair.

Nova Scotia s silver medal marked the province s best finish at the Games in close to 25 years.

8 RICOH Team of the Year Canada Games Men s Basketball ~ Basketball The Canada Games Men s Basketball team entered the Games with high hopes. After going undefeated in round robin play the team defeated Saskatchewan in the quarterfinals. This set up a semi-final game against Team Ontario. They were down early but their determination allowed them to pull out one of the biggest wins in Nova Scotia basketball history. The championship final against Quebec was a back and forth affair. Up by four points with 30 seconds to go, Nova Scotia was posed to win gold; however Quebec sunk a game-winning shot at the buzzer to clinch the win. Nova Scotia s silver medal marked the province s best finish at the Games in close to 25 years. Canadian Women s C2 200m ~ CanoeKayak (Sprint) Jenna Marks and Maria Halavrezos began preparing for the World Canoe Championships two years ago. The pair, both from Dartmouth, race for different clubs, but they came together to represent Canada internationally. They defeated all challengers at the Canadian Trials and went on to dominate the 2009 World Canoe Championships, emerging World Champions and Gold Medalists in both 200-metre C2 and 500-metre C2. Jenna won the 200-metre singles event as well. The pair also took three gold in the official status events (C2 200-metre, 500-metre and 1,000-metre) at the 2009 Pan American Championships in Brazil. And they were responsible for three gold at the Canada Games as a C2 team, plus another three silver and two bronze medals as individuals and members of a C4 team. Skiffington & Reid ~ Sailing Ted Skiffington and Jonathan Reid won the 2009 Canada Games gold medal in the 29er class, the first time a team from Nova Scotia has won gold in a double-handed class. This is the highest level of competition for the 29er class in Canada. The pair have been sailing together for the past five years. Last year, in addition to the Canada Games, they travelled to regattas throughout North America and to the World Championships in Italy. Ted and Jonathan have now moved on to the 470 Class and hope, one day, to represent Canada at the Olympic Games.

FINALISTS RICOH Association of the Year Dartmouth Ringette Association ~ Ringette Nova Scotia DRA is setting a new standard for leadership and innovation for this sport in Nova Scotia.

These programs resulted in a 162% increase in their U9 program.

9 FINALISTS RICOH Association of the Year Dartmouth Ringette Association ~ Ringette Nova Scotia DRA is setting a new standard for leadership and innovation for this sport in Nova Scotia. To open the season and attract new players they hosted a Come Try Ringette event, simultaneously launching their own innovative incentive-based Wanna Play? Program. These programs resulted in a 162% increase in their U9 program. The creation of a new Program Leader position means the organization can now boast a consistent, high quality program that provides instruction to their entry-level U9 program and sport-specific training to other new coaches. The success of their annual City of Lakes Tournament (the largest in the province with 64 teams), new corporate sponsorships, and a diverse training environment are additional examples of what they have achieved through hard work and the shared vision of dedicated volunteers. Special Olympics Nova Scotia ~ Special Olympics Nova Scotia SONS is the only chapter in Canada that hosts a Provincial Summer Games every year. The 2009 Games hosted by Halifax registered over 900 athletes and coaches from all four Atlantic provinces, plus over 375 volunteers. SONS takes great pride in these games, but also developed a Regional Competition Grant Program to promote local competitions. The addition of two new programs, Healthy Athletes and Speakers Bureau, have boosted their impact by enhancing sport skills, boosting awareness and building self esteem. The organization contributes nationally as Master Learning Facilitators as well as selections such as Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the World Winter Games and Mission staff for 2011 in Athens. School partnerships, management strength and an unwavering support of volunteerism round out the enormous impact of this spirited association. St. Margaret Sailing Club ~ Nova Scotia Yachting Association This club hosted the 2009 Nautel Laser World Championships, the largest competitive sailing event in Canadian history, with 500 athletes and only 2.5 staff. In preparation for the event the club built a new marina, breakwater and Learn to Sail building, which will all serve to further sailing in NS. The event showcased the province as one of the premier sailing locations in the world. Big regattas are nothing new to St. Margaret Sailing Club as the Club has hosted many provincial and national championships including the very popular Bay Wind Regatta every July for youth sailors.

February 3, Award. chosen by FINALISTS:

February 3, Award. chosen by FINALISTS: For immediate release MEDIA RELEASE February 3, 2017 2016 Athlete of the Year Award Finalists Announced Sask Sport Inc. is pleased to announce the 2016 Athlete of thee Year award finalists for the Saskatchewan