We are proud to announce the recipients of our Provincial Awards for 2017-18
FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Samantha Walsh (Bay St. George)
This award is presented annually to a female athlete who meets the following criteria;
- Be a registered athlete in a Special Olympics Club
- Be involved in Special Olympics sport program(s) throughout the year
- Be successful in her sport, achieving personal bests and awards at competitions
- Demonstrate improvement in athletic skill
- Display sportsmanship and be considerate of athletes, coaches, officials and other volunteers
- Consistently act as a role model for fellow Special Olympics athletes.
The female athlete selected is chosen based on the above listed criteria and their exemplification of the true spirit of Special Olympics
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Daniel Moores (Corner Brook Vikings)
This award is presented annually to a male athlete who meets the following criteria;
- Be a registered athlete in a Special Olympics Club
- Be involved in Special Olympics sport program(s) throughout the year
- Be successful in his sport, achieving personal bests and awards at competitions
- Demonstrate improvement in athletic skill
- Display sportsmanship and be considerate of athletes, coaches, officials and other volunteers
- Consistently act as a role model for fellow Special Olympics athletes.
The male athlete selected is chosen based on the above listed criteria and their exemplification of the true spirit of Special Olympics
FEMALE COACH OF THE YEAR: Rosie Ryan (Bay St. George)
This award is presented annually to a female coach who meets the following criteria;
- Be a registered member of SONL
- Have completed Special Olympics Canada Competition Coach Workshop
- Exemplify the SONL Coaching Code of Ethics
- Have volunteered for a minimum of 5 years with SONL
The female coach selected will be chosen based on the above listed criteria and the athletic achievements of their athletes, the leadership they show on and off the playing field and the contribution they make to Special Olympics as a whole.
MALE COACH OF THE YEAR: Guy Richard (Mt. Pearl)
This award is presented annually to a male coach who meets the following criteria;
- Be a registered member of SONL
- Have completed Special Olympics Canada Competition Coach Workshop
- Exemplify the SONL Coaching Code of Ethics
- Have volunteered for a minimum of 5 years with SONL
The male coach selected will be chosen based on the above listed criteria and the athletic achievements of their athletes, the leadership they show on and off the playing field and the contribution they make to Special Olympics as a whole.
GINA BLUNDON AWARD: Daniel Horne (Mt. Pearl)
This award will be presented annually to the athlete who exhibits the following qualities;
HEART: e.g. an athlete who refuses to quit
COMMITMENT: e.g. an athlete with an excellent attendance record
DEDICATION: e.g. an athlete that encourages the success of the group before themselves, respects their peers and exemplifies sportsmanship
This award is presented to an athlete who exemplifies the spirit of Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador. The chosen athlete exhibits these overall qualities regardless of their success in competitions.
TEAM OF THE YEAR: Exploits Hurricanes Curling Team (Exploits Hurricanes)
This award is presented annually to the team who meet the following criteria;
- Have all team members registered with a Special Olympics club
- Be involved in Special Olympics sport program(s) throughout the year
- Be successful in their sport, achieving personal bests and awards at competitions
- Display sportsmanship and be considerate of athletes, coaches, officials and other volunteers
- Consistently act as a role model for fellow Special Olympics athletes
The team selected will be chosen based on the above listed criteria and their athletic achievements of their team, and exemplification of the true spirit of Special Olmypics and their ability to work together as a team.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Joe Philpott (Gander Wings)
This award is presented annually to the grassroots volunteer who meet the following criteria;
- Work tirelessly to ensure all athletes are provided with opportunities to shine
- Be registered and involved with Special Olympics throughout the year
- Display sportsmanship and be considerate of athletes, coaches, staff, officials and other volunteers
- Consistently act as a role model for Special Olympics athletes and fellow volunteers
- Should be known and highly respected within their respective community
This award is presented to a grassroots volunteer who works tirelessly to ensure hat all athletes, regardless of their ability level, are provided with opportunities to shine within the Special Olympics movement. This volunteer emphasizes fair play and good sportsmanship and ensures that all athletes feel included and valued. This volunteer recognizes the unique gifts of each athlete and has the ability to form an exceptional bond with the athletes who require a unique approach from their coach and club members.
PRESIDENTS AWARD: Kevin Dunphy (Past Chair, SONL Board of Directors)
This award is presented annually to a leader who meets the following criteria;
- Be a non-coaching volunteer with SONL
- Be a long time volunteer with SONL (Minimum 5 Years)
- Be a positive role model to other volunteers with the organization
- Consistently act as a role model for fellow Special Olympics athletes
- Contribute to the organizational structure of SONL
This non-coaching volunteer is dedicated to planning, organizing, and operating sport programs, fundraisers and/or competitions. This volunteer is an asset to the organization and is always willing to take on a leadership role to ensure that the athletes and volunteers have the best experience possible. This volunteer donates countless hours and always has the best interest of Special Olympics NL in the forefront.