Who was Orillia’s top athlete in 2019? It’s up to you!
The deadline to submit nominations for the prestigious award has been extended to noon on Jan. 31, 2020.
To qualify as a nominee, an athlete must be a credit to the city because of his/her athletic accomplishment, show dedication to training and exhibit good sportsmanship.
The award is open to individuals from Orillia and area that display excellence in one or more athletic endeavours.
If you want to nominate an athlete, it’s easy. You can either drop into the parks, recreation and culture department on the third floor of the Orillia City Centre and pick up an application package or complete an online application.
Those nominating an athlete are asked to provide comments/examples of the nominee’s sportsmanship, attitude and accomplishments.
A mandatory letter of recommendation from a sports organization, such as a school or local, provincial, national or international sports group, is required.
Last year, Annie Lloyd, an outstanding field lacrosse player, was named the city’s top athlete, joining an impressive list of winners that includes NHL hockey player Ethan Moreau, Olympic figure skater Brian Orser, world-class track-and-field athlete Rob Town, internationally-ranked sprinter Toyin Olupona, Olympic boxer Walter Henry, multi-sport star Jerry Udell and a host of others.
The winner is chosen by a selection committee comprised of representatives from the three Orillia high schools, the Elementary School Physical Education Council, the Orillia YMCA, local members of the media and the Recreation Advisory Committee.
This year’s coveted Athlete of the Year award, first donated by local trophy maker Norm Davis in 1952, will be awarded at a city council meeting March 2.
But first, nominees are needed. The deadline to nominate an athlete of the year is Jan. 31.
OrilliaMatters.com will profile each of the nominees after the deadline has passed.
For more information, visit orillia.ca and search for the Athlete of the Year page for a printable application form.