Five local athletes, representing a vast array of sports, have been nominated for the coveted 2017 Orillia Athlete of the Year award.
“We are very pleased to announce we received five nominations for the 2017 Athlete of the Year,” said Chris Gammon, the city’s sport program supervisor. “We have some amazing nominees (from) a variety of sports; we have incredible talent in Orillia.”
The nominees include an OHL hockey player, a cricket star, a world-class cyclist and two outstanding young multi-sport athletes.
Kyle Heitzner, a Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School graduate, was nominated by the Orillia Ball Hockey Club for his accomplishments with that organization in addition to his on-ice skills and leadership as a member of the OHL’s Barrie Colts. He also played men’s fastball and multiple high-school sports.
Ali Van Yzendoorn, a Patrick Fogarty student, was nominated thanks to her dominance in provincial and national track and road cycling. The hard-working athlete shone at national championships in both sports.
Dipinekumar Patel was nominated for Orillia’s top athletic honour by the Orillia Cricket Club. Patel shone not only in cricket, but also excelled in badminton and volleyball.
Jack Marwick, 14, was nominated on behalf of the Orillia Minor Lacrosse Association (OMLA). He was the OMLA player of the year, played rep hockey for the Orillia Terriers and volleyball. The Patrick Fogarty student also qualified to represent his school at the provincial track and field championship.
Ben Barzo, 14, was the catcher and most valuable player for the Orillia Royals minor bantam squad that captured a provincial crown last summer. He also shone on the track and earned first- and second-place finishes in a pair of regional sprint events.
“With the calibre of their accomplishments, I feel that the selection committee will have a tough decision on their hands,” Gammon said.
The Orillia Athlete of the Year is chosen by a panel of judges that includes representatives from each of the three local high schools, the Elementary School Physical Education Department, Orillia Today, KICX 106, Sunshine 89, the YMCA and the city’s recreation advisory committee.
The winner will be announced at an Orillia City Council meeting Feb. 12.
OrilliaMatters will profile each of the nominees next week.
