The first-ever virtual Special Olympics Canada National Awards Night hosted by TSN

Each year Special Olympics Canada recognizes its incredible athletes, coaches and volunteers from across the country who exemplify the spirit and essence of the movement at the Special Olympics Canada National Awards Night.

Due to Covid-19, this year’s ceremony took place online. The 32nd Special Olympics Canada National Awards Night was hosted by sportscaster Vic Rauter on TSN’s Facebook Page.

Click here to watch the full ceremony:

WATCH

Meet this year's Award winners:

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Presented annually to two of Canada’s most outstanding athletes.
MONIQUE SHAH, SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO – TORONTO Meet one of Special Olympics Canada’s Athletes of the Year: Ontario’s Monique Shah. Monique has been with Special Olympics for 23-years. She participates in bowling, bocce, curling, athletics and snowshoeing. At 40-years-old, Monique is as strong as ever. She still keeps up with competitors in their teens. In 2011, she competed at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, crossing the finish line with a personal best. Most recently, she brought home four medals from the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay, where she competed in snowshoeing. Monique is a leader on and off the track. Win or lose, Monique is just happy to know she tried her best and encourages her teammates to do the same.
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: MATTHEW WILLIAMS, SPECIAL OLYMPICS BC - LANGLEY Meet one of Special Olympics Canada’s Athletes of the Year: Matthew Williams. A Special Olympics British Columbia athlete for the past 15 years, Matthew has competed in speed skating, basketball, floor hockey, golf, swimming, athletics and curling. Matthew has represented Special Olympics Team BC at six National Games and Special Olympics Team Canada at two World Games. Most recently, Matthew competed in speed skating at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020, where he achieved personal bests in all four of his events. Matthew is also known for his achievements outside of sport, like delivering a Ted Talk about Special Olympics and sitting on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics International.
TEAM OF THE YEAR Presented annually to Canada's most outstanding sports team.
HUMBOLDT BRONCOS, SPECIAL OLYMPICS SASKATCHEWAN – HUMBOLDT Introducing 2020’s Team of the Year: Special Olympics Saskatchewan’s Humboldt Broncos! This floor hockey team has been together for 16 years. Well-known in their community, the tight-knit group has forged lasting relationships with local law enforcement, media and sports team. When the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team bus crash devastated the community in 2018, they dedicated their games to those lost in the collision. Last year, the team travelled to their first out of province competition: the 2019 Special Olympics Ontario Invitational Youth Games in Toronto. They brought home a bronze medal. They also won bronze at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020. The Broncos live by the Special Olympics motto: Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. To them, a defeat is just an opportunity to get better.
COACH OF THE YEAR Presented annually to two of Canada's most outstanding coaches.
RON STRUCH, SPECIAL OLYMPICS MANITOBA – WINNIPEG Meet Manitoba’s Ron Struch, one of Special Olympics Canada’s Coaches of the Year. Ron got involved with Special Olympics 17 years ago when he started the alpine ski program in Winnipeg. He still coaches Team Edge and continues to grow the program by recruiting new athletes and coaches. Most recently, he coached at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 and all three of his athletes brought home medals. Ron is not only committed to the development of his athletes, but also the development of his fellow coaches. An advocate for continued education, Ron is always updating his coaching certifications and sharing opportunities with his peers. Congratulations on being named Coach of the Year, Ron!
LAURA WOODALL, SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO – BELLEVILLE Meet Laura Woodall, one of Special Olympics Canada’s Coaches of the Year. Laura has been a Special Olympics Ontario speed skating coach for 22 years. She started coaching in Belleville, but her expertise and technical knowledge improved the sport across the province. She is a mentor to many coaches and helped bring the quality of speed skating in Ontario to new levels. She helped integrate Special Olympics speed skating competitions with the Ontario Speed Skating Association meets, which has created positive experiences for all skaters – with and without an intellectual disability. She recently coached at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020, where she helped Team Ontario speed skaters bring home 43 medals. Congratulations, Laura!
JIM THOMPSON AWARD Named after the late Jim Thompson, former TSN President and Special Olympics champion, this annual award is given to an operational volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally, and has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of Special Olympics Canada.
JODI FLANAGAN, SPECIAL OLYMPICS ALBERTA – CALGARY The 2020 Special Olympics Canada Jim Thompson Award goes to long time Alberta volunteer Jodi Flanagan. Each year, the Jim Thompson Award is given to an operational volunteer who’s made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally. Jodi started with Special Olympics Alberta – Calgary as a figure skating coach in 1990. In 1997, she started leading National Coaching Certification Program courses. She continues to guide coach development across the country. For the past 30 years, Jodi has created opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to shine on the biggest stages – including International Skate Canada Competitions as well as Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, where she’s served as Team Alberta’s Chef de mission twice.
FRANK SELKE JR. FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Named after the late Frank Selke Jr., Hockey Night in Canada personality and one of Special Olympics Canada’s first celebrity ambassadors, this annual award is presented to a fundraising volunteer(s) who’s made significant contribution to the movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally, and has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of Special Olympics Canada.
NICK AMYOONY, HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA Halifax, Nova Scotia’s Nick Amyoony is Special Olympics Canada’s Frank Selke Jr. Fundraising Volunteer of the Year. Each year this award is presented to a fundraising volunteer who’s made a significant contribution to the movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally. Nick has only been involved for two years, but he’s already made a substantial impact on Special Olympics Nova Scotia. A professional gamer with 4.6 million YouTube subscribers, Nick is known worldwide for his Fortnite gameplay. When he entered a Pro-Am Fortnite Charity Tournament, he chose Special Olympics Nova Scotia as his charity of choice. After two tournaments, he raised $140,000. Nick has since become a Youth Ambassador for his local LETR (influenced by his police officer father) and continues to use his international platform to raise awareness of Special Olympics and the importance of inclusion.
ROB PLUNKETT LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN AWARD Named after the late Detective Constable Robert Plunkett, a 22-year veteran of York Regional Police who was a leader in both the community and Special Olympics, this award is presented to a Law Enforcement Torch Run representative who best exemplifies the spirit, philosophy, dedication and goals of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Special Olympics movement.
MARK MCGUGAN, LONDON, ONTARIO This year’s Rob Plunkett Law Enforcement Torch Run Award goes to London City Police Officer Sgt. Mark McGugan. Each year, this award is presented to a Law Enforcement Torch Run representative who exemplifies the spirit, philosophy, dedication and goals of the LETR and Special Olympics movement. Mark has been a committed LETR member for almost as long as he’s been policing: 32 years. Since participating in his first Torch Run in 1989, Mark has held nearly every LETR position in the province – from local Torch Run Coordinator to Provincial Director. He also attends International Conferences and sits on Committees for Major Games across the country. As Mark puts it, “if Special Olympics comes calling – he’s there!”
DR. FRANK HAYDEN ATHLETE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Named after Canada’s Dr. Frank Hayden, whose research sparked the Special Olympics movement 50 years ago, this award is presented to an athlete who has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of the Special Olympics movement over the course of their career.
NERISSA POORAN, SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO – TORONTO Meet this year’s Dr. Frank Hayden Athlete Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Ontario’s Nerissa Pooran. Named after Canada’s Dr. Frank Hayden, this award goes to a Special Olympics athlete who has exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of the movement over the course of their career. Nerissa has been a dedicated Special Olympics athlete for the past 32 years. She participates in swimming and athletics. For many athletes, learning a new skill can take months, but for Nerissa, it takes years. Coordination, technique and endurance are hard for her, but with determination, patience and courage – she’s become the decorated champion she is today. She’s competed at regional, provincial, national and international levels – and remained humble. During the pandemic, Nerissa has continued to set a positive example by accessing virtual trainings four times per week.
THE HARRY “RED” FOSTER AWARD Named after the late Harry “Red” Foster, the sports broadcaster and advertising mogul who founded Special Olympics in Canada, this award is presented to an individual, volunteer or group who best exemplifies the spirit, philosophy and goals of the Special Olympics movement. Like Mr. Foster, the nominee will have contributed significantly to the development, awareness and success of Special Olympics in Canada.
DANIEL GRANGER, SPECIAL OLYMPICS QUEBEC The 2020 Special Olympics Canada Harry “Red” Foster Award goes to Quebec’s Daniel Granger. Each year, this award is presented to someone who, like Mr. Foster - founder of Special Olympics in Canada - has contributed significantly to the development, awareness and success of Special Olympics across the country. Daniel Granger has done just that since 1997. Daniel joined Special Olympics Quebec’s Board of Directors 24 years ago and helped grow the Provincial Chapter from a few hundred athletes to more than 6,200. He’s since served as Chair for the Provincial Board as well as a member of the National Board of Directors for Special Olympics Canada. He’s helped improve the organization’s finances, fundraising, competition models and program development – helping bring Healthy Athletes and youth programs to Quebec.

NATIONAL AWARDS NIGHT 2020

The first-ever virtual Special Olympics Canada National Awards Night hosted by TSN

Meet this year's Award winners:

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Presented annually to two of Canada’s most outstanding athletes.

MONIQUE SHAH, SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO – TORONTO

Meet one of Special Olympics Canada’s Athletes of the Year: Ontario’s Monique Shah. Monique has been with Special Olympics for 23-years. She participates in bowling, bocce, curling, athletics and snowshoeing.

Monique is a leader on and off the track. Win or lose, Monique is just happy to know she tried her best and encourages her teammates to do the same.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: MATTHEW WILLIAMS, SPECIAL OLYMPICS BC - LANGLEY

Meet one of Special Olympics Canada’s Athletes of the Year: Matthew Williams. A Special Olympics British Columbia athlete for the past 15 years, Matthew has competed in speed skating, basketball, floor hockey, golf, swimming, athletics and curling.

Matthew has represented Special Olympics Team BC at six National Games and Special Olympics Team Canada at two World Games.

Most recently, Matthew competed in speed skating at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020, where he achieved personal bests in all four of his events.

Matthew is also known for his achievements outside of sport, like delivering a Ted Talk about Special Olympics and sitting on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics International.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Presented annually to Canada's most outstanding sports team.

HUMBOLDT BRONCOS, SPECIAL OLYMPICS SASKATCHEWAN – HUMBOLDT

Introducing 2020’s Team of the Year: Special Olympics Saskatchewan’s Humboldt Broncos!

Last year, the team travelled to their first out of province competition: the 2019 Special Olympics Ontario Invitational Youth Games in Toronto. They brought home a bronze medal. They also won bronze at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020.

The Broncos live by the Special Olympics motto: Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. To them, a defeat is just an opportunity to get better.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Presented annually to two of Canada's most outstanding coaches.

RON STRUCH, SPECIAL OLYMPICS MANITOBA – WINNIPEG

Meet Manitoba’s Ron Struch, one of Special Olympics Canada’s Coaches of the Year.

Ron got involved with Special Olympics 17 years ago when he started the alpine ski program in Winnipeg. He still coaches Team Edge and continues to grow the program by recruiting new athletes and coaches.

Most recently, he coached at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 and all three of his athletes brought home medals.

Ron is not only committed to the development of his athletes, but also the development of his fellow coaches. An advocate for continued education, Ron is always updating his coaching certifications and sharing opportunities with his peers.

Congratulations on being named Coach of the Year, Ron!

LAURA WOODALL, SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO – BELLEVILLE

Meet Laura Woodall, one of Special Olympics Canada’s Coaches of the Year.

Laura has been a Special Olympics Ontario speed skating coach for 22 years. She started coaching in Belleville, but her expertise and technical knowledge improved the sport across the province. She is a mentor to many coaches and helped bring the quality of speed skating in Ontario to new levels.

She helped integrate Special Olympics speed skating competitions with the Ontario Speed Skating Association meets, which has created positive experiences for all skaters – with and without an intellectual disability.

She recently coached at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020, where she helped Team Ontario speed skaters bring home 43 medals.

Congratulations, Laura!

JIM THOMPSON AWARD

JODI FLANAGAN, SPECIAL OLYMPICS ALBERTA – CALGARY

The 2020 Special Olympics Canada Jim Thompson Award goes to long time Alberta volunteer Jodi Flanagan.

Each year, the Jim Thompson Award is given to an operational volunteer who’s made a significant contribution to the Special Olympics movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally.

Jodi started with Special Olympics Alberta – Calgary as a figure skating coach in 1990. In 1997, she started leading National Coaching Certification Program courses. She continues to guide coach development across the country.

For the past 30 years, Jodi has created opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to shine on the biggest stages – including International Skate Canada Competitions as well as Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, where she’s served as Team Alberta’s Chef de mission twice.

FRANK SELKE JR. FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

NICK AMYOONY, HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

Halifax, Nova Scotia’s Nick Amyoony is Special Olympics Canada’s Frank Selke Jr. Fundraising Volunteer of the Year.

Each year this award is presented to a fundraising volunteer who’s made a significant contribution to the movement locally, provincially, and/or nationally.

Nick has only been involved for two years, but he’s already made a substantial impact on Special Olympics Nova Scotia.

A professional gamer with 4.6 million YouTube subscribers, Nick is known worldwide for his Fortnite gameplay. When he entered a Pro-Am Fortnite Charity Tournament, he chose Special Olympics Nova Scotia as his charity of choice. After two tournaments, he raised $140,000.

Nick has since become a Youth Ambassador for his local LETR (influenced by his police officer father) and continues to use his international platform to raise awareness of Special Olympics and the importance of inclusion.

ROB PLUNKETT LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN AWARD

MARK MCGUGAN, LONDON, ONTARIO

This year’s Rob Plunkett Law Enforcement Torch Run Award goes to London City Police Officer Sgt. Mark McGugan.

Each year, this award is presented to a Law Enforcement Torch Run representative who exemplifies the spirit, philosophy, dedication and goals of the LETR and Special Olympics movement.

Mark has been a committed LETR member for almost as long as he’s been policing: 32 years.

Since participating in his first Torch Run in 1989, Mark has held nearly every LETR position in the province – from local Torch Run Coordinator to Provincial Director.

He also attends International Conferences and sits on Committees for Major Games across the country.

As Mark puts it, “if Special Olympics comes calling – he’s there!”

DR. FRANK HAYDEN ATHLETE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Named after Canada’s Dr. Frank Hayden, whose research sparked the Special Olympics movement 50 years ago, this award is presented to an athlete who has best exemplified the spirit, philosophy and goals of the Special Olympics movement over the course of their career.

NERISSA POORAN, SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO – TORONTO

Meet this year’s Dr. Frank Hayden Athlete Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Ontario’s Nerissa Pooran.

During the pandemic, Nerissa has continued to set a positive example by accessing virtual trainings four times per week.

THE HARRY “RED” FOSTER AWARD

DANIEL GRANGER, SPECIAL OLYMPICS QUEBEC

The 2020 Special Olympics Canada Harry “Red” Foster Award goes to Quebec’s Daniel Granger.

Each year, this award is presented to someone who, like Mr. Foster - founder of Special Olympics in Canada - has contributed significantly to the development, awareness and success of Special Olympics across the country.

Daniel Granger has done just that since 1997.

Daniel joined Special Olympics Quebec’s Board of Directors 24 years ago and helped grow the Provincial Chapter from a few hundred athletes to more than 6,200. He’s since served as Chair for the Provincial Board as well as a member of the National Board of Directors for Special Olympics Canada.

He’s helped improve the organization’s finances, fundraising, competition models and program development – helping bring Healthy Athletes and youth programs to Quebec.