2016 Sport Awards

Sport Oakville Hosted the 9th annual Sport Awards Sunday October 23rd at the OE Hall once again recognizing the excellance, perseverance and dedication of our athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers in the areas of sport developemnt, performance and Contribution to the community.

Mayor Rob Burton opened the event and Lee Parkhill provided an inspirational talk on his journey to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Determination and the will to succeed overcame many obsticals in Lee's path to represent Canada.

Recognition must be give to our sponsors who provided, funds, food, and prizes for the event. Oakville Hydro, Pizza Pienza, Corbett's Source for Sport, Soccer World Panera Bread and Oakville Little League made it all happen.

2016 Sport Oakville Award Recipients

SPORT OAKVILLE Special Awards
Wayne Moorehead – Sport Oakville Past President
Cathy Watt - Sport Oakville Past Everything
Lee Parkhill, Sailor – 2016 Rio Olympics, Toronto 2015 Pan Am/ParaPan Am Games

Bronte Harbour Yacht Club
BHYC Junior Race Team – Team Award

Burloak Canoe Club
U19 Women's War Canoe – Team Award
U19 Men's War Canoe – Team Award

Halton Field Hockey Club
Madison Workman – Athlete Award
Rachel Spekking – Volunteer Award

Oakville Aquatic Club
Tessa Cieplucha - Athlete Award
Matthew Mac – Athlete Award
Rosie & Mabel Zavaros – Athlete Award

Oakville Basketball Club
Jeremy Jones – Coach Award

Oakville Cricket Club
Ehsan Kharal – Athlete Award
OCC Premiere Division Team – Team Award
OCC First Division Team – Team Award
Manik Bhan – Coach Award
Nasru Syed – Volunteer Award

Oakville Girls Softball Association
Nicole Lemieux – Coach Award
Oakville Angels Big Sister Coaching & Mentoring Team – Team Award
Ria Kalra – Volunteer Award

Oakville Gymnastics Club
Terry Lister – Volunteer Award

Oakville Hornets Girls Hockey Association
Oakville Hornets Atom AA Team – Team Award
Brent Christensen – Coach Award
Pat O'Kelly – Volunteer Award

Oakville Little League Baseball
Jerry Thornhill – Coach Award
OLL Minor American League Rays – Team Award
Peter Hundeck – Volunteer Award

Oakville Titans Minor Football League
Tanner Guy – Athlete Award
Oakville Titans Spring 2016 Peewee Team– Team Award
Brent Kilborn – Coach Award
Heather Wilson – Volunteer Award

Oakville Minor Lacrosse Association
Chris Dong – Athlete Award
Lady Hawks U13-2 Field Team – Team Award
Lexi Doherty – Volunteer Award

Oakville Speed Skating Club
Electra Halushak – Athlete Award
Ian Welsby – Athlete Award
Dave Dryden – Coach Award
Stacy Maynard – Volunteer Award

Oakville Thunder Volleyball Club
Steve Udvari – Coach Award
Danielle Walker – Volunteer Award

Skate Oakville
Jordana Dryburgh – Athlete Award
EDGE Novice Synchronized Skating Team – Team Award
Brian Shales – Coach Award
Ken McCowan – Volunteer Award

Special Olympics Ontario - OAKVILLE
Robert (Bob) Kelley – Volunteer Award

2015 Sport Awards

Sport Oakville hosted the 8th annual Sport Awards Sunday October 25th at the OE Hall 2245 Speers Rd, providing a chance to celebrate the excellence, perseverance and dedication of our athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers in the areas of sport development, performance and contribution to community.

With the large crowd present Ralph Robinson Town Councilor opened the 8th annual event on behalf of Mayor Rob Burton. Melanie Hawtin gave an inspirational talk on her athletic career. Master of Ceremonies Chris Mai announced this years recipients with awards presented in the categories of Athlete, Coach, Team and Volunteer.

There was a bumper crop of door prizes from Corbetts Source for Sport, Soccer World, Panera Bread, Canadian Tire Gas and Oakville Little League also provided coupons for National Sports. Pienza Pizza provided Pizza while Panera supplied rolls for the reception following the awards presentation which was enjoyed be everyone.

It was another great year showing the great talent and participation of sport in Oakville.

2015 Sport Oakville Medal Recipients

Elisha Donaghey – Athlete Award  

U17 Men’s K4 – Team Award
U17 Women’s War Canoe – Team Award

 

Elizabeth O’Hara – Athlete Award

 

OAK Summer National Team – Team Award
Melanie MacKay – Coach Award
Jamie Altenhof – Volunteer Award

Larry Snow – Coach Award
Tammy Podovinnikoff – Volunteer Award

Nancy Carss – Volunteer Award

 

Bradi Cochrane – Coach Award
Oakville Hornets 2014-15 Atom HL – Team Award
Mike Turczyniak – Volunteer Award

Zaria Armstrong – Athlete Award

 

OLL Minor Giants – Team Award
Mike Hammel & Chris Fournier- Coach Award
Andrew Potter & Rachel Young– Volunteer Award

Mivhael Luongo – Athlete Award, Mike Pastorek – Coach Award
2015 Oakville Titans Bantam Rep Team– Team Award
Marny Sharpen – Volunteer Award

Josh Dawick & Justin Sykes – Athlete Award, Dave Quinn – Coach
U11 Lady Hawks Field Lacrosse Rep Team – Team Award
Sherri Robertson – Volunteer Award

Dalia El Sammak – Athlete Award, Alex Giannotti – Athlete Award
Sigrid Zabel – Coach Award
Sharon De Vellis – Volunteer Award

Taylor McDonald – Athlete Award
Oakville Thunder Girls 17U Blue – Team Award

Natasha Beaudoin – Athlete, Jeff Trott & Kathy Zahakos – Coach
Kaitlyn Chubb & Alexander Moses, Junior Dance – Team Award
Filomena Santonastaso – Volunteer Award

 

2015 Sport Awards - Melanie Hawtin

Melanie presented an inspirational talk to the many Sport Awards attendees

A native of Oakville, Ont., Hawtin started racing as a child and quickly became a decorated athlete within the sport with hopes of representing Canada at the Paralympic Games.

That dream was put on hold after surgery forced her to take a hiatus from the track. It was during that hiatus that Hawtin started playing wheelchair basketball. She began competing with the Burlington Vipers club before going on to represent Ontario at the women’s national championship in 2013.

As a former competitive track athlete, speed is Hawtin’s greatest asset and she quickly outman oeuvres her opponents up and down the basketball court. She ultimately drew the attention of the National Team program and made the Senior Women’s National Team in 2014.

“It is a big honour to be able to get the chance to represent your country and to be able to work with the best athletes in the world,” says Hawtin.

When she is not training with the National Team, Hawtin is busy honing her skills at the wheelchair basketball National Academy in Toronto.

2015 Sport Awards Detailed Bios

Athletiques International

Presented by  Bruce Burton, Head Coach

Athlete Award – Elisha Donaghey-Johnston

Elisha Donaghey first came to Athletiques International in 2012, in hopes of preparing herself for the track and field events of the Provincial Summer Games in 2013.

So well did she prepare that she emerged from those Games as the top female shop put athlete in Ontario, and, as a result of her five silver medals won at those games, she was identified as the second-ranked female athlete in her age group for all of Ontario.

Since then, she has continued to improve, distancing herself even further from her competition in events held over the past two summers.

But Elisha is not a “one-trick pony”.  Last February, in North Bay, she contested the snowshoeing events in the Provincial Winter Games, coming home with two gold and one silver, and an invitation to be part of Team Ontario at the National Winter Games in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, February28-March 6, 2016!

From these Games, she hopes to qualify for Team Canada, and attend the World Winter Games in Austria, 2017.

Burloak Canoe Club

Presented by  Adam Oldershaw, Head Coach

Team Award – U17 Men’s K4

It has been extremely rare for an Ontario crew to win a medal at Nationals, but this crew placed 3rd, having had their best race of the season when it mattered the most.

This U17 Men’s K4 team has undoubtedly ben the club’s most over-reaching crew at nationals.

Team Award – U17 Women’s War Canoe

Presented by   Michelle Greenway, President

Athlete Award – Elizabeth O’Hara 

Elizabeth is a member of the club’s competitive Thrashers team as goal keeper.  An integral member of the team, Elizabeth has grown in our club for the past few years.

This was her second year on the provincial team representing Ontario at the National Championships. Ontario made it to the finals to play against British Columbia.  At the end of regulation time, the game was tied and forced to a shootout.  After four shots, it was tied 2-2. It came down to the final shots, with Ontario scoring and Elizabeth making the last save to give Ontario the gold!

Oakville Aquatic Club

Presented by  Alan Booth, President

Team Award – OAK Summer National Team

Every year Canada’s top swimmers from across the country  come together for their chance to race against the best in the country in Canada’s flagship swimming event – the Canadian Senior National Swimming Championships .  This year OAK’s National team swam in competition against 77 swim clubs and Universities in Pointe-Claire, QC to win and become both the Women’s and Overall Team Champions!

Coach Award (submitted by Beth Peros, Secretary)  – Melanie MacKay

Melanie has been an integral member of the Oakville Aquatic Club for more years than she is willing to admit. Over the years she has taken on any role she is asked to, and even administrative ones. She works tirelessly for all of her swimmers, including those who have moved onto higher groups, always wanting to make sure they continue to perform at their best level.

She can easily be found  at the pool, thanks to her booming coach voice, and is often crouched down soaking wet from getting too close to a turning swimmer. Her love of the sport and our club is evident in all she does, and without her, our club would be far less welcoming especially to our youngest swimmers.

Volunteer Award (submitted by Beth Peros, Secretary)   – Jamie Altenhof

Jamie represents the very best qualities of volunteering – contributing to a cause in a way that has a
direct,  positive impact on our athletes. He has spent countless hours maintaining the technical
equipment required for swimming competitions, while also being a regular contributor of time
through fundraising initiatives, including Bingo.

Jamie is always ready for the next challenge, and is always willing to step in when needed. Jamie has also been spending many hours working with our newer volunteers, as both a trainer and mentor.

Oakville Girls Softball Association

Presented by  Kathryn Pretty, Director of Marketing

Coach Award – Larry Snow

 As a carded Umpire, Larry brought his knowledge of the game when he joined OGSA in the early 1990’s.  At that time, he was also part of the coaching staff for the club’s PWSA Bantam Gold Medal team in 1997. Currently a coach and treasurer for OGSA, Larry has been involved in other areas of the organization including winter clinics for general and advanced skills, summer pitching clinics and as the current Umpire in Chief.  Over the past 10 years he also has worked with Softball Ontario as a Learning Facilitator.

Larry has numerous coaching accolades over the years with the most notable ones including

• 2013 Midget Select Tourney Gold Medalist
• 2014 Midget Select Tourney Gold Medalist (repeat performance!)
• 2015 Bantam House League Playoff Silver Medalist

  Volunteer Award – Tammy Podovinnikoff

Tammy joined the OGSA as a coach with her husband a few years ago, and more recently has taken on additional volunteering roles with the Board of Directors.

This was a significant role to re-ignite the OGSA Junior Umpire program that included recruiting umpires, coordinating courses with Softball/Umpire Ontario, convening the umpires and creating a staffing and logistics program to manage the umpire roster across every division in the OGSA for the entire season.

Instead of informing umpires of the courses they needed, Tammy organized a weekend training seminar which all the umpires attended.  The club received accolades from Softball Ontario and the Regional Zone Umpires who taught the clinics with comments that it was the vest hosted Junior Umpire Training clinic ever!

Tammy’s relentless dedication to this massive program amazed everyone.  Her relationship building within the parent and youth community, sport leagues and ruling associations made a significant impact on the integrity of how OGSA conducts its program.

Tammy’s selflessness to the convenor role went beyond executing a task – she gave our players new role models in leadership through the Junior Umpire program, a new program where youth can look to for continuing education and employment each year and an integrated sports program that truly engages players, parents, officials and the league.

Oakville Gymnastics Club

      Presented by  Don Holmes, Head Coach, Power Tumbling & Acrobatic Gymnastics 

Volunteer Award – Nancy Carss

A parent of one of the Acrobatic Gymnastics athletes,  Nancy has volunteered her time to become an Acrobatic Gymnastics judge and has been an acting judge for Gymnastics Ontario for four years.  In 2014 Nancy accepted the volunteer position of Judging Chairperson for the Province of Ontario and worked to develop judging workshops, judging certification course curriculum, judging examination protocols, and has created the first official Acrobatic Gymnastics Scoring program for Ontario.  Nancy has also spent numerous hours volunteering with the Gymnastics Ontario Technical Committee for Acrobatic Gymnastics creating our Technical Rules and Regulations. Mrs. Nancy Carss has been instrumental in assisting with the development of the newest discipline of competitive gymnastics offered by Gymnastics Ontario, Acrobatic Gymnastics.  She has been a huge supporter of the successful Acrobatic Gymnastics program at the Oakville Gymnastics Club by her volunteer judging work, her creation of a scoring system and her assistance with event coordination.  Acrobatic Gymnastics is growing in Ontario but especially here in Oakville where our club is paving the way for the first generation of international calibre acrobats.  It is with the involvement and volunteerism of parents such as Nancy Carss that the infrastructure for sport development is possible.  She continues to offer her services as a Technical Expert on Acrobatic Gymnastics and acts as a mentor to new families joining the competitive programs at the Oakville Gymnastics Club.  

Oakville Hornets Girls Hockey

Presented by  Bob Pujo, President

Team Award – Oakville Hornets 201-2915 Atom House League Team

In March of 2015, a group of 4 Girls Hockey Associations, created a pilot program called the “Queen of the House Championships.  This pilot project started with Novice and Atom, and the goal was to create the equivalent of the Provincial Championships for House League.  The Oakville Hornets was one of the four founding Associations.  The Atom HL Champs, coached by Kevin Board, won the elimination based tournament to win the inaugural Queen of the House Atom Champs.

Coach Award – Bradi Cochrane

Coach Bradi Cochrane led the Oakville Junior Hornets in 2014-15 to their first ever Provincial Women’s Hockey Team (PWHL) regular season league Championship and Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincial Gold Medalists.  Bradi is an articulate educator with the Peel Board and a highly experienced coach and former elite player  who is helping to groom the next generation of women’s hockey talent in Oakville and Canada. Having competed as a player at the NCAA and the NWHL levels, Cochrane’s work as a head coach is equally impressive.

Bradi is a two time Under-18 National Championship Head Coach for Ontario and led Team Ontario Blue to their first ever gold medal in 2012, and returned again in 2013 as head coach of the gold medalist Ontario Red team.  In 2014 she led Team Ontario to a silver medal at the Canada Winter Games in Prince George, BC.  Bradi is currently part of the Hockey Canada coaching pool for the U22 and U18 National Team programs and was in Calgary this past summer working with the U18 coaching staff helping select Canada’s best U18 players for the 2016 IIHF World Championships. .

Volunteer Award – Mike Turczyniak 

Mike has been involved with the Oakville Hornets for almost a decade, and most recently as our President for the past 6 years.  Mike is now our Past President.  He recently became a Board Member of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association.  During his tenure as President, he orchestrated the growing movement of female hockey in Oakville, and will continue to do so through his endeavors with the OWHA at the provincial level.    

Mike is the consummate volunteer, freely giving of his time to promote the best interests of our female hockey stars, at all levels of play.  His commitment to the Association is second to none, and his achievements over the many years, will benefit our young female athletes.  Even as our Past President, he continues to offer his guidance to the current Board, and was instrumental in coordinating improvements to our Tournaments and our ice scheduling processes.

Oakville Legion Track & Field Club

Presented by    Andrew Tyrell, President & Ted Neptune, Head Coach

Athlete Award – Zaria Armstrong

Zaria Armstrong is one of the best sprinters in Ontario for the 100m and 200m distances.
Earlier this year she ran well through the local, Golden Horseshoe and South Regional qualifying meets for the provincial high school track and field championships, but her goal was not just to qualify.  Zaria’s goal was to earn a medal and stand on the podium at the provincial Championships.  To do that she knew that she’d have to not only run consistently well, but she’d have to ensure that it was the best performance of her life. 

At the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations championship in Toronto, where the best of the best Ontario high school athletes compete, Zaria indeed delivered the best performance of her life.
Even though Zaria competed with girls older than her, she crossed the line at Toronto’s Varsity Stadium in a personal best time of 11.96 seconds to win an OFSAA bronze medal. This was the first time she’d ever run a sub 12 second 100m race.

Zaria credits her mom and her Oakville Legion coaches with unlocking her true potential and she is looking forward to many more stellar performances in 2016 as it will be her graduating year and the last year competing at the provincial high school level.
Congratulations Zaria!

Oakville Little League Baseball

Presented by  John Sweeney, President & John Mooney, Vice President  of Baseball Operations

Team Award – OLLB  Minor Giants

Coaches Award – Mike Hammel & Chris Fournier

In Sports, winning is most often defined by championships, or whoever scores the most goals, runs, or points. Very seldom does one talk about teams that struggle or lose often, but during the 2015 season, Oakville Little League had a team that redefines what a champion is  - and that team is the Giants of OLL’s House League Minor division.

From the beginning of the season until the end of the playoffs, the Giants left the field on the low end of the score in every single game. Not once were they able to celebrate a victory on the field, not once did they go back to their cars or go home, or to school the next day and talk about a win. However, when the next game rolled around, the team was there, trying their hardest. When practices were run, the team was there, working hard and trying to get better. Though the results weren’t kind, the team stuck together and persevered.

The coaching staff of the team, lead by Mike and Chris,  was outstanding all season with the team – never letting their spirits get down, finding life lessons in everything the team did. The kids came out to the park and smiled and continued to learn and enjoy the time they spent with each other.
To a team that became a champion of Oakville Little League, and to the coaches who facilitated this – Oakville Little League’s Team of the Year the Giants  Coaches of the Year – Mike Hammel and  Chris Fournier.

Volunteer Award – Rachel Young & Andrew Potter

All of the organizations here depend on the help of volunteers - those individuals who give selflessly of themselves and help the greater good.  Oakville League has benefitted from the help of a great many adults in creating a positive experience for the Youth of Oakville. OLL also benefitted from the community service of many High School students as they look to meet their requirements for the High School diploma. This summer, OLL was fortunate to have two High School students step up and and 'rock' it with their volunteer help. Rachel Young is a Grade 9 student at Loyola who put in over 100 hours this summer in the concession stand and other areas during weekend tournaments. Her initiative and work ethic were outstanding - she always arrived early and left late at each event. She showed her versatility during the Ontario Little League Provincial tournament as she worked in the concession and the volunteer tent, and she also helped sell tournament swag. She never asked what she had to do - she just saw what had to be done and did it. Rachel’s pleasant smile and incredible personality helped make Cornwall Park a better place to be; we hope that we see a lot more of it the next 3 summers. Thank you for all your hard work this summer Rachel

Andrew Potter is a Grade 10 student at White Oaks Secondary School who helping with OLL in May a call went out for student help for our weekend tournaments.  Andrew ended up putting in over 130 hours over the summer. Andrew started out announcing/scoring games and playing music, but as the summer moved on, his forte became grooming and fixing the ball diamonds. He quickly moved from a person who just pushed a rake to someone we trusted to look at issues on the diamond, recommend what should be done, look at the skies for potential weather problems. Like Rachel, he always arrived early and did not leave until the final chore or task had to be done, and he took great pride in our diamonds as we all do at OLL. Andrew was a key member of "Team Teal" - the grounds crew for the Ontario Little League Provincial Tournament. By the end of the season, we were calling him "Chief". Thanks so much Andrew for your tireless work this summer for OLL! With young men and women like Rachel and Andrew, the future of Oakville looks very promising indeed!

Oakville Minor Baseball Association

      Presented by  Andreas Papadopoulos, President

Coach Award – Tom Ford

As Head coach of OMBA’s Bantam House League team, Tom stepped up to coach this team when the club was unsure if it would be able to get a team together for this season. He came through with his dedication to the players and made sure that the team had an outstanding fun season.  Tom not only coached the Bantam team but also contributed many hours to volunteering with the League. He made himself available to ensure that we had a fantastic season in House League and he went above and beyond in helping us for annual Opening Day celebrations.

Team Award – 2015 Minor Mosquito Tier 1 Team

This team had a tremendous year culminating as winners of the provincial championship.  This is the 3rd consecutive provincial championship for many of these players and for the Head Coach Dave Gillespie. They are a focused team who practice and play hard while always having fun.

Oakville Minor Football League

Presented by  Heather Wilson, President

Athlete Award – Michael Luongo, Spring Pee Wee Player

Michael was one of our outstanding defensive players for our peewee developmental spring team.  He displayed an outstanding attitude and showed amazing maturity for his age.  He was a leader among the players and consistent in his sportsmanship conduct and enthusiasm.

Team Award – 2015 Oakville Titans Bantam Rep team

This team won the northern conference division this year and developed into a close family unit. Supporting each other through the ups and downs of a very successful season, they were a model of sportsmanship.  Because  we received so many compliments from our opposing teams, It was felt that this exceptional group of young men had to be acknowledged for setting such a strong example amongst our organization.

Coach Award – Mike Pastorek

Although Mike is the Coach of the Bantam Rep Team , he started out as a reluctant Atom coach only a few years ago and has stepped in and fully committed himself to his players and this organization. He has grown as a coach and is respected by players, parents and the league as a fair and dedicated coach with the best interests of his players as his objective.

Volunteer Award – Marny Sharpen

Marny has given this organization so many hours of her time and gone above and beyond the call of duty over her time with the Oakville Titans as a team manager and then a director on the Board.   The Titans would be lost without Marny as it can count on her to always be where we need a very efficient and capable person.

Oakville Minor Lacrosse Association

Presented by   Laura McLaughlin, Vice President of Girls Field Lacrosse

Athlete Award – Josh Dawick & Justin Sykes

Each of these players led and represented not only their teams but Oakville Minor Lacrosse Association in commendable fashion.  They were integral leaders both on and off the floor or field displaying qualities of effective and efficient team communicators, commitment to their team mates, coaches and game plan, a positive ‘team first ‘attitude and encouragement and inspiration to their team mates. Both are accomplished players: Josh, who played in the midget division,  is a silver Provincial A medalist in Ontario Box lacrosse and a member of U15 Team Ontario which won gold at the National Field Lacrosse tournament.  He was also selected to the Provincial Box Tournament All-Star Team and chosen as MVP at that tournament.

Justin, a bantam player, is a gold provincial A medalist in both Ontario Field and box lacrosse championships.  He was also member of the Team Ontario which won gold in the National Box Lacrosse Tournament.  Justin was also selected for the Provincial Box tournament All=Star team and chosen as overall MVP of that tournament. 

Team Award – U11 Girls Field Lacrosse Team

Every player on this team`s roster contributed to the team`s success this season which included 186 goals, 31 assists and 313 ground balls.  This young team was undefeated with a record of 14 wins and 2 ties and ended the season with a thrilling 11-10 overtime win against a strong Kitchener team. It then went on to pull off its second consecutive Provincial Championship in the ‘A’ division.  
After two qualifying rounds, the team went on to reach the Ontario Box Lacrosse 'A' Division league finals where the defeated Orangeville 10-6 to win Provincial GOLD. This only happened twice in Oakville history; last time was in 2002 in Bantam division, happen to be the year most of the players were born.  Four of the team players were named to the Team Ontario box lacrosse squad, which won the National title this year.

Coach Award – Dave Quinn 

Dave has coached in the house league program for many years.  He is a huge proponent of good sportsmanship and shows the youth players to respect the rules of the game, fellow team mates, opponents and officials at all times.

He is the ultimate house league coach who ensures all players have an enjoyable season and equal participation and play time regardless of ability.  His on and off floor leadership is instrumental in creating the most positive experience for the house league box lacrosse players.  Always willing to lend a hand without hesitation, Dave serves as an inspiration and role model for the other house league coaches.

Volunteer Award –Sherri Robertson

Sherri has been an integral addition to the club’s appointed volunteer position of Box Lacrosse Rep Convenor.  She addresses issues seamlessly, seizes opportunities for improvement and liaises collaboratively with coaches, parents, players and the executive.  She utilized her positive influence to coordinate members to assist her with ensuring the Box Rep program ran effortlessly. She made sure everyone involved was well informed, understood their roles and tasks and ultimately gained buy-in on all fronts.  Sherri was also instrumental in initiating and administering leadership when required.

Oakville Speed Skating Club

Presented by  Al Moss, Treasurer

Athlete Award for a female– Dania Elsammak

 Dania has been with the Club for 5 years and, with hard work and dedication, moved up within her Age Group to qualify to compete in the elite Provincial Competition where she finished in the top 3.  Dania also qualified and competed in the Canada East Age Class Championship.  She is an example of how working hard can achieve good results and with this,  has developed many, many lifelong friendships along the way.

Athlete Award – Alex Giannotti

Alex has been with the Club since he was a Young Cradle Skater.  Year-in-and out, he is one of the top ranked boys in his age class in the province. In 2013, at 9 years of age, Alex shattered the Provincial Record in the 500m – the premiere distance in speed skating and holds the records to this day.  Last year Alex was ranked #1 in the province in his highly competitive and large age class and performed exceedingly well at the Provincial Championship.

Alex is deserving of the Sports Recognition Award not only because of his outstanding achievements in the sport of speed skating, but is a model member of the Club, because he is respectful to all and always gladly accepts the advice and guidance from his coaches.

Coach Award – Sigrid Zabel

Sigrid is a very accomplished coach and a kind and generous person.  She has been an Assistant Coach with our Club for many years.  She is the coach the club calls upon and who helps our gifted/younger skaters.  She has worked with members with mental and physical limitations and has had great success in helping them achieve their goals.  Her patience and kindness are special indeed.

Our Club could not be more thankful and appreciative of the time and effort she volunteers on the ice with the skaters.  She is patient, encouraging and supportive of every achievement accomplished by a skater.  We have seen Sigrid spend months holding hands or moving along the boards with a challenged skater and always having a positive/patience presence letting them know they will be able to soon skate on their own with the other Club skaters.  The skaters who Sigrid has assisted in making great strides forward always fondly remember their many hours with Sigrid.

 Volunteer Award – Sharon DeVellis

Sharon Volunteers in several very important capacities within our Club.  She is the Club’s Media reporter, writing many articles for newspapers, magazines and online, promoting our club and our members’ successes.
Sharon helps out as an Assistant Coach with our Beginner Program, and when on the ice, she wherever assigned.
Sharon is also a member who the club can rely on to assist in other club activities, spending countless hours with the Christmas party and Year End Banquet and Awards preparation, club competitions and General Office/Administration help.

The Club chose Sharon to be nominated for a Sport Recognition Volunteer Award to thank her for all that she does, whether it be on or off the ice.  She is a great role model to the club’s members and parents.  

Oakville Thunder Volleyball Club

Presented by  Danielle Walker, Vice President of Technical

Athlete Award – Taylor McDonald

Taylor received the 2015-2016 Oakville Thunder Scholarship Award and is deserving of the Sport Oakville Award as well.  Taylor has played with Oakville Thunder for 3 consecutive seasons, improving her skills while also taking on an increasing leadership role eac.  As a middle attacker with the 18U Blue team this past year, she was a strong attacker and consistent blocker.  She worked hard all season, was a motivated athlete and brought out the best in her teammates.

While balancing rep sports and part time work, Taylor had a standout final year of high school taking on many roles in her school, including the Athletic head on athletic council and Grade 12 representative on student council. She also volunteered with Glanbrook Rangers, the Good Sheppard and the Canadian Blood Services.  She maintained Honour Roll status throughout high school and has continued her education at Brock University in the Concurrent Education program this year.  As a result of her exemplary role within the club and outside, she received the 2015-2016 Oakville Thunder Scholarship Award.

Team Award – Oakville Thunder Girls 17U Blue

In the 2014 – 2015 season the 17U Blue team competed in 10 OVA tournaments within their own age group as well as an age division up, and won medals in all tournaments.  They competed in the highest division through the majority of the season and consistently rose to the challenge of pushing the top Ontario teams to their limits. 

Recently, this group has been lead by the club founders, Peter Szpakowski and Peter Walker,  with the foundation of the team built by Josey Guerin and Michele Hatziiannou.

This team is deserving of the Sport Oakville Team Award because of their dedication to the sport of volleyball and the community of Oakville.  This team has had a long history with Oakville Thunder with many of the athletes playing together since they were 12 years old. 

 Skate Oakville

Presented by  Tat Wong, Board Member

Athlete Award – Natasha Beaudoin

Natasha had a great season in her first year in the PreNovice category.  She has accomplished the difficult double axel jump and is able to successfully perform it in her competition solos.  Natasha was a member of the Skate Canada Ontario Future Champions Development team for the 2014-2015 season.  She has been promoted to Skate Canada Team Elite for the upcoming season based on her accomplishments this season and the outlook for her future performance.

Natasha is a hard worker both on and off the ice.  She trains everyday after school and on weekends as well.  Even in times of difficulty, she still muscles through the tears of frustration, gets up and tries again – a definite sign of how much her skating means to her and her love for the sport.

Natasha is actively involved in club activities:  She is a Program Assistant for the club’s Canskate sessions, helps at club events and is a role model to younger skaters.

Team Award – Junior Dance Team of Kaitlyn Chubb and Alexander Moses

Kaitlyn and Alexander had a terrific season in the Juvenile Dance Category. They started their season with a gold medal at Thornhill Summer Skate and carried their momentum right through the entire season. They were the Skate Canada Central Ontario Sectional Champions and the Central Ontario STARSKate Champions, qualifying the team to compete at the Skate Ontario Provincial Championships, where they finished very respectable 6th in the province.

Kaitlyn and Alexander are dedicated both on and off the ice to their sport. They put in close to 20 hours on-ice and 6 hours off-ice, a week training. They have rescheduled their lives and school schedules to make this all happen. They make great ambassadors for the club with their work ethic, dedication and as role models to younger skaters in the Competitive Dance Program.

Kaitlyn and Alexander look forward to the new season competing in the Novice category and are working towards earning a trip to Skate Canada Challenge in order to qualify for the Canadian Championships

Coach Award – Jeff Trott  

Jeff has an enthusiasm and dedication to the sport of figure skating that is paramount. He is responsible for designing, implementing and teaching skaters from beginner (PreComp) up to our competitive athletes. He oversees the Off Ice (Dry Land) training component of the club’s competitive program. This off ice training is critical in a skater’s ability to perform and complete a program and Jeff has provided our skaters with the tools they need to be successful. Jeff also oversees the club’s ‘theatre on ice’ program which focuses on helping the skaters be better performers. He is an accomplished choreographer working with many of the club’s skaters coming up with creative and unique music selections and choreography to help them stand out from the crowd. Jeff was an integral member of the Choreography team for the club’s bi-annual ice show creating memorable and enjoyable numbers. Jeff has also recently completed his Level 2 NCCP certification and is well on his way towards Level 3. Jeff has a passion for the sport and it comes through in all of his work. The skaters of all ages and levels enjoy working with him and have fun while training. Jeff is committed to make all skaters the best they can be no matter what level they skate at. He recognizes their strengths and helps them to build on them. Jeff brings a lot of humour to the coaching staff, skaters and parents with his enthusiasm and energy.

Coach Award – Kathy Zahakos

Kathy is one of the most dedicated and committed coaches at Skate Oakville. She can be seen at the rink 7 days a week all hours of the day. Kathy worked hard this past year, accomplishing her NCCP Level 3 certification. Kathy coaches skaters at all levels from Pre-Competitive up to Elite as well as adults. Kathy also represents the entire coaching staff as the representative to the Board of Directors. Kathy is hard working and committed to the sport of figure skating. She travels with her skaters all over the province and out of country and attends every competition. She is always willing to help out whenever called upon. She has not just a passion for her job, but a passion to help her skaters be the best that they can no matter what level they are at.

Volunteer Award – Filomena Santonastaso

Fil is one of those quiet volunteers behind the scenes who does so much that many do not even realize it! She spends as much time  at the rink as some of the coaches.  Each year she chairs our Gala of Synchronized Skating – a showcase for our 10 teams to debut their new programs to friends and family at the beginning of the season. This gala attracts over 800 spectators. Fil also oversees all of the hospitality for officials, coaches and volunteers each year at Synchro Capers. This is a two day competition attracting over 100 teams from all over Ontario with more than 8,000 spectators over the weekend. Fil ensures that the hundreds of people working at the event to make it successful are well fed and taken care of. A monumental task! She is a hard working volunteer who always goes the extra mile to ensure everyone is well taken care of.

Special Olympics Ontario - Oakville

Presented by  Peter Knight, Community Coordinator, Special Olympics Ontario

Team Award – Oakville Sky Walkers Basketball Team

With the sudden passing of their beloved Head Coach -Stu Thomas, mid-season, the Oakville Sky Walkers showed amazing determination and ability to come together, despite the personal devastation and grieving. They increased their skill level and remained focused, determined to switch on their "game face", keeping true to their teachings-on and off the court. The Assistant Coach Greg Thomas, immediately stepped forward to lead, along with Donna Thomas, who took on the role of Team Manager, providing all travel arrangements, and scheduling.  As a team, the coaching staff and athletes supported each other in their loss and with strength, courage and determination -never faltered. It was a Team effort -and there was no" I" in this team. Tournaments included Kingston, Hamilton, Oakville, Rochester NY, and Long Island NY in the last half of the season. A successful season, one each can be extremely proud of. The Sky Walkers belief in their athletic ability is highly commended, despite the tragic loss of their coach, a second father to most. An unexpected but valuable life experience that taught all members the true meaning of Team Effort, and the importance and value of each player.

Coach Award – Debbie Boycott

Debbie initiated the sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics to our Oakville community in 1999.  This lead to Oakville hosting the first ever Provincial Games in Ontario. She was also instrumental in establishing a solid foundation of skills and knowledge, which benefited all athletes and coaching staff within our Province. With the support of Gymnastics Ontario, the club actively hosted training camps, seminars and specalized judge specific training, for the sport.  This past year, she even hosted a training camp for coaches in Nova Scotia, promoting the sport in that Province. A few highlights of her coaching career include: Rhythmic Gymnastic  Asst. Head Coach -Team Canada-World Games-China(2007), Head Coach-Team Canada -World Games -Athens Greece (2011), and most recently Head Coach-Team Canada-Special Olympic World Games-LA.(2015). 

Debbie's valuable and outstanding contribution to the sport at the Local, Provincial and National level, will  be very much missed as she has choosen to retire, to spend more time with family. A valuable 16 year coaching career, to the benefit of those with intellectual disabilities. She has made a difference in the lives of those she touched, as well as our Oakville community and the sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Volunteer Award – Teresa Demytruk

Teresa is a retired school teacher and has always been actively involved with Special Olympics in a volunteer capacity.  Her contribution to our organization is highly commended. It takes a special person to volunteer their time to people with intellectual disabilities. Her passion is leading a hand to those most vulnerable in our community and touches the lives of so many with her quiet unassuming presence. She does make a difference in our community, and we as a organization celebrate her continued commitment to Special Olympics Oakville. Teresa has been a Volunteer with Special Olympics Ontario - Oakville for 29 years. She is the head coach for Oakville's 5-pin bowling – Recreational League. A former secretary of the community council for 15 years, she has participated as an assistant coach at the 2008 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Spring Games in Oshawa. Teresa was the recipient of a 25 year Volunteer service plaque by Special Olympics Ontario (2012) Always willing and able to help out when required from, involvement with our T-Ball team, coaching 5 pin bowling, to lending a hand with our Information Fairs and annual golf tournament fundraiser, Teresa maintains a keen desire to promote our sport organization within the Oakville community.