As time marches toward the end of another year, it’s time to nominate worthy candidates for Orillia’s coveted Athlete of the Year award for 2023.
The city’s top athletic prize has been awarded annually, with a few interruptions, since 1952.
For the second straight year, the Orillia Sport Council will shepherd the process, after city council asked the non-profit group to stick-handle the process and reinvigorate interest in the award.
In its first year organizing the process, interest was renewed as 11 strong candidates were nominated for the prestigious award last year.
Ultimately, Orillia’s Colby Barlow, the youngest captain in Owen Sound Attack history and one of the OHL’s leading scorers, was selected as the 2022 Orillia Athlete of the Year.
“There are a lot of well-known names on this trophy and a lot of great people of this community,” he told OrilliaMatters after being presented the award at a jam-packed Orillia Sports Hall of Fame Lounge at the Orillia Recreation Centre.
“It’s definitely an honour to be a part of that,” said Barlow who would go on to be selected in the first round of the NHL’s entry draft in June.
Mel St. Onge, a member of the Orillia Sport Council, said it’s important to recognize local athletes.
“Orillia has a ton of great athletes,” said St. Onge. “It’s so important to support and recognize these athletes who work hard, who show sportsmanship, who strive for excellence and exhibit pride in their community.”
Once again this year, St. Onge and other council members will be researching candidates and working with local sports groups and others to ensure local athletes are considered. However, it’s equally important that members of the public nominate worthy candidates.
The nomination process has been streamlined. A simpler nomination form is available online, on the Orillia Sport Council website. You can fill out the form and email it to [email protected] or mail it to 4174 Forestwood Dr., Severn, Ont., L3V 7E1.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to nominate someone,” said St. Onge, who noted nominations must be received by Jan. 5, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
The criteria to win the Athlete of the Year trophy, donated by Norm Davis of the Davis Trophy Co. in 1952, has not changed. The winner must have demonstrated athletic accomplishment that is based on individual ability, dedication to training and good sportsmanship.
The competition is open to anyone whose principal residence is encompassed by the Orillia school district — essentially those who live in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn or Rama First Nation.
The 12-member Orillia Sport Council will be joined by a member of the City of Orillia Recreation Advisory Committee in evaluating the nominees and determining a winner.
For more information, visit the Orillia Sport Council website. Click here for the nomination form.
