Provincial Awards | Special Olympics Canada
Celebrating our Athletes, Coaches, Volunteers and Supporters.

Special Olympics NL Awards

Each year Special Olympics NL recognizes its incredible athletes, coaches, and volunteers who exemplify the spirit and essence of the movement at the Special Olympics NL Awards Night.

2022-2023 Award Recipients

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Presented annually to two of Special Olympics NL's most outstanding athletes.

Samantha Walsh, Bay St. George Bravehearts

Athletes of the Year Award Samantha Walsh

Samantha Walsh joined the Special Olympics NL Bay St. George Bravehearts 8 years ago. She is an amazing athlete who loves Athletics (Track and Field), and Snowshoeing, but she also participates in Curling, Swimming, Disc Golf and 5-Pin Bowling. She will engage and attempt any sport without hesitation. Samantha was a part of the Team NL at the Canada Summer Games where she returned with three (3) medals. Samantha just qualified for the SONL Provincial Team headed to Calgary in February 2024 by taking home three (3) Gold Medals in Snowshoeing in the 100m, 200m and 400m events. This will be her second Special Olympics Canada Winter Games as she represented SO Team NL in Thunder Bay, ON as well. She was also on SO Team NL in Antigonish, in 2018. Sam recently competed in her first Special Olympics World Summer Games and was humbled to pick up a bronze medal in the Standing Long Jump event with a personal best performance. Congratulation Samantha!

Michael Budden, Bay St. George Bravehearts

Athletes of the Year Award, Michael Budden

Michael Budden joined the Special Olympics NL Bay St. George Bravehearts 8 years ago as a young runner in his school club. He was selected in 2021 to represent SO Team Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan for Cross-Country Skiing after capturing four (4) medals the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay. Recently Mike returned from Berlin, Germany capturing a Gold Medal in Shotput at the Special Olympics World Summer Games.  Mike has excelled in all sports in which he is engaged in including, Curling, Athletics (Track and Field), Snowshoeing, Swimming, Disc Golf and Cross-Country Skiing. Michael is a leader, role model, and great athlete for his club. Congratulations Michael!

team of the year

Presented annually to Special Olympics NL's most outstanding team.

Curling Team, Labrador West Big Landers

Junior Dumaresque, Skip  Chris Gillam, Vice  Lenny Farnell, Second  Debbie Baggs, Lead

Coaches: Josh Farrell and Sandra Gillam

Lab West Big Landers Curling Team

The Labrador West Big Landers team are respectful, strong, and positive. They exemplify themselves as positive role models by treating each other with respect, valuing each other's opinions, ideas, and contributions. A postitive team attitude is often contagious, and their positivity as a team demonstrates them working together towards a common goal. They are seen as willing to collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other, forsting a sense of unity, understanding that the success of the team is dependent on the collective efforts of everyone involved. The Big Landers brought home a Bronze Medal from the SONL Provincial Winter Games! Congratulations and keep up the good work!

gina blundon award

Presented annually to the Special Olympics NL athlete who exemplifies the spirit of Special Olympics regardless of their success in competitions. This athlete shows HEART, COMMITMENT, DEDICATION and LEADERSHIP in all that they do.

David Horne, Mt. Pearl

Gina Blundon Award David Horne

David has been an athlete with Mount Pearl for 16 years, participating in 5-Pin Bowling, Athletics (Track and Field), Powerlifting and Softball. David is always supportive and encourages other athletes near him. This year he has continuted his supportive attitude toward others bowlers, celebrating as they scored strikes, spares, doubles and turkeys. He displays a genuine joy in seeingothers succeed! Davis had excellent attendance at bowling and also joined his team to compete in Grand Falls-Windsor at the SONL Provincial Winter Games this winter where his team received a Gold Medal in their Division. David brings a wonderful attitude toward sports, maintains a happy, supportive and postiive attitude and also maintains his focus and level of play.

COACHES OF THE YEAR

Presented annually to two of Special Olympics NL's most outstanding coaches.

Rhonda Lawrence, Labrador West Big Landers

Coaches of the Year Rhonda Lawrence

Rhonda has been heavily involved with Special Olympics NL Labrador West Big Landers for the past 5 plus years as a Program Volunteer, Competitive Coach, and member of the Executive Committee. Having past experience as the Head Coach in Cross-Country Skiing with SO Team NL 2020. Rhonda was involved again in 2022-23 as the Head Coach for the Big Landers' Cross-Country Ski team at the SONL Provincial Winter Games. Her passion for the sport and dedication to the athletes make her a highly respected coach not only within Labrador West but across the province. Congratulations Rhonda and thank you for all your hard work and dedication as a coach!

Tom Walsh, CBS Brightstars

Coaches of the Year Tom Walsh

Tom has been the Head Coach of Athletics (Track and Field) with Special Olympics NL CBS Brightstars for the past 9 years. Tom is a great role model for both athletes and coaches in the club. He treats everyone with the utmost respect and kindness. He is very committed to his sport and certainly makes fun and enjoyment a big focus during his practices. He always spreads positivity and shows great professionalism. He is very enthusiastic and shows all the qualities ofa great sportsman. Congratulations Tom and thank you for all your hard work and dedication as a coach!

rising star coach of the year

Presented annually to Special Olympics NL's most outstanding rising star who as a new coach has had a tremendous impact on Special Olympics sport programs.

Molly Gill, CBS Brightstars

Rising Star Coach of the Year Molly Gill

Molly has been volunteering with the Special Olympics NL CBS Brightstars for 1 year. She began her volunterring with Athletics (Track and Field) as a general volunteer for her first couple of sessions. She quickly displayed positive confidence and the ability to communicate well with our athletes. Only weeks into our season, Molly started to lead different stations and centers around our weekly training sessions. She also started to lead some of our warm-ups and cool downs during training sessions. By the time we hit November, Molly was already leading parts of our Athletics sessions when the Head Coach was away. She also attended the SONL Provincial Athletics Meet in June as an Assistant Coach. Her progression during the 2022-23 season was nothing less than commedable. Congratulations Molly and thank you for all your hard work!

volunteer of the year

Presented annually to Special Olympics NL's most outstanding grassroots volunteer.

Pauline Price, Exploits Hurricanes

Volunteer of the Year Award Pauline Price

Pauline Price has been a long-time Executive Member of the Special Olympics NL Exploits Hurricanes. She has served as Club Registrar prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and was elected as Club Secretary in the Fall of 2022. She has been an Assistant Coach for Curling since 2022 and was an Assistant Coach in Curling at the SONL Provincial Winter Games this past March. Aside from her executive duties and coaching, she has had a big hand in organizing funraising events such as the LETR and Town Clean Up. She also volunteered for the 2022 SONL Provincial Athletics Meet in Mt. Pearl. She took on a huge role at that time with the Exploits Hurricanes, and she always seemed to know what everyone needed before they did! She also was heavily involved with all preparations required prior to the competition. She provided a lot support looking after the athletes and assisting with the general care of the participants, athletes, coaches and volunteers alike. Congratulations Pauline and thanks for all your hard work and dedication!

the evan ash builder award

Presented annually to Special Olympics NL's most impactful volunteer in memory of Past SONL Board Chair Evan Ash.

Colleen Abbott, Clarenville Allstars

The Evan Ash Builder Award Colleen Abbott

Colleen has been involved with the Special Olympics NL Clarenville Allstars for 11 years as a Coach while also serving on the Executive Committee. She has been an asset in helping the club grow from six (6) athletes up to fourty (40) and fostered athlete growth through countless practices, socials, trips and events. Colleen has single handely brought the Clarenville Allstars to be the organization it is today. Colleen is compassionate, committed and dedicated to all aspects of her volunteer responsibilities. Congratulations Colleen and than kyou for all your hard work!

presidents award

Presented annually to a leader who is dedicated to planning, organizing, and operating sport programs, fundraiser and/or competitions. 

Presidents Award Junior Humphries

As one of the founding members of Special Olympics NL Labrador West Big Landers in 2017, Junior Humphries has been a dedicated and long-serving volunteer. Junior is always there and he goes over and above to attend any and all events with the best interest of athletes as his top priority. He is always willing to go over and above to ensure the success of the athletes and the club and is indeed a role-model for athletes and volunteers. Hunior is a highly respected member of the communiy and true leader who uses his network to build bridges for our athletes and club. He is a true role-model for our athletes and mentor for volunteers. He not only supports the initiatives of others, but actively reaches out to encourage others to do the same. He puts other volunteers in the sport light to allow them to shine. He is prenset, patient, and engaged with athletes. Congraulations Junior and thank you for all your hard work!

Previous Years Award Recipients

Athletes of the Year

year name club
2008 - 2009

Bradley Hurley

Sandra Smith

Gander Wings

Tri-Con Gentle Giants

2009 - 2010

Andrew Hynes

Ada Sheppard

Mt. Pearl 
2010 - 2011

Michael Harris

Nadia Brenton

Gander Wings

Mt. Pearl

2011 - 2012

Jeremy Mueller

Crystal Young

St. John's Explorers

Tri-Con Gentle Giants

2012 - 2013

Daniel Moores

Nikki King

Corner Brook Vikings

Corner Brook Vikings

2013 - 2014

Travis Sceviour

Floressa Harris

Kelly Adams

Mt. Pearl

Gander Wings

Mt Pearl

2014 - 2015

Jackie Barrett

Sarah Brown

Corner Brook Vikings

Gander Wings

2015 - 2016

Eleanor Hobbs

Chris Dugas

Tri-Con Gentle Giants

Bay St. George Bravehearts

2016 - 2017

Floressa Harris

Justin Dodge

Gander Wings

Grand Bank - Fortune Seahawks

2017 - 2018

Samantha Walsh

Daniel Moores

Bay St. George Bravehearts

Corner Brook Vikings

2018 - 2019

Jessica Summers

Joshua Gardner

Mt. Pearl

Exploits Hurricanes

2019 - 2020

Rhegan Robinson

Michael Budden

Tri-Con Gentle Giants

Bay St. George Bravehearts

2020 - 2021 Not Awarded  
2021 - 2022

Heather Miller

Megan Price

CBS Brightstars

Exploits Hurricanes

2022-2023

Samantha Walsh

Michael Budden

Bay St. George Bravehearts

Bay St. George Bravehearts

2023 - 2024    

coaches of the year

year name club
2008 - 2009

Carol Strickland

Guy Richard

Mt. Pearl

Mt. Pearl

2009 - 2010

Wally Broomfield

Carla Olford

 
2010 - 2011

Jim Moss

Sonya Anstey

Gander Wings

Gander Wings

2011 - 2012

Guy Richard

Eileen Reid

Mt. Pearl

Mt. Pearl

2012 - 2013

Doug Walters

Patricia Baker

CBS Brightstars

 

2013 - 2014

Ian Short

Dan Deschamps

Tanya Smith

 

 

Gander Wings

2014 - 2015

Norm Austin

Brittany Collins

Samantha Guitard

Gander Wings

CBS Brightstars

St. John's Explorers

2015 - 2016

Teena Adey

Paul Mercer

Gander Wings

Gander Wings

2016 - 2017

Carmel Casey

Travis Maher

Gander Wings

Mt. Pearl

2017 - 2018

Rosie Ryan

Guy Richard

Bay St. George Bravehearts

Mt. Pearl

2018 - 2019

Colleen Ryan

Grant Cudmore

Exploits Hurricanes

Gander Wings

2019 - 2020

Christina Kendall

Shawn Dean

Bay St. George Bravehearts

CBS Brightstars

2020 - 2021 Not Awarded  
2021 - 2022

Laura Butler

Trevor Wicks

CBS Brightstars

Exploits Hurricanes

2022 - 2023

Rhonda Lawrence

Tom Walsh

Labrador West Big Landers

CBS Brightstars

2023 - 2024    

gina blundon award

year name club
2008 - 2009 Mary Ellen Murhpy Tri-Con Gentle Giants
2009 - 2010 Amanda Butt Tri-Con Gentle Giants
2010 - 2011 Craig Keeping Mt. Pearl
2011 - 2012 Brittany White  
2012 - 2013 Heather Miller CBS Brightstars
2013 - 2014

Daniel Ralph

Bradley Murphy

Gander Wings

Mt. Pearl

2014 - 2015 Melvin Hanhams Exploits Hurricanes
2015 - 2016

Crystal Young

Bradley Haines

Tri-Con Gentle Giants

 

2016 - 2017 Heather Miller CBS Brightstars
2017 - 2018 Daniel Horne Mt. Pearl
2018 - 2019 Heather Miller CBS Brightstars
2019 - 2020 Margaret MacNeil Exploits Hurricanes
2020 - 2021 Not Awarded  
2021 - 2022 Tyler Thompson Exploits Hurricanes
2022 - 2023 David Horne Mt. Pearl
2023 - 2024    

team of the year

year name club
2014 - 2015 Soccer Team Mt. Pearl
2015 - 2016

Floor Hockey Team

Mt. Pearl
2016 - 2017

Curling Team

Coaches: Tanya Smith & Paul Mercer

Athletes: Daniel Ralph, Dennis Welsh, Daniel Philpott, Craig Alyward, and Michael Harris

Gander Wings
2017 - 2018

Curling Team

Coaches: Joe Tremblett & Sara Pinsent

Athletes: Margaret MacNeil, Joshua Gardner, Kim O'Neill, Gary Wicks, and Tony Kyritsis

Exploits Hurricanes
2018 - 2019

Curling Team

Coaches: Joe Tremblett & Sara Pinsent

Athletes: Margaret MacNeil, Joshua Gardner, Kim O'Neill, Gary Wicks, and Tony Kyritsis

Exploits Hurricanes
2019 - 2020    
2020 - 2021 Not Awarded  
2021 - 2022 Not Awarded  
2022 - 2023

Curling Team

Coaches: Josh Farrell and Sandra Gillam

Athletes: Junior Dumaresque, Chris Gillam, Lenny Farrell, and Debbie Baggs

Labrador West Big Landers
2023 - 2024    

volunteer of the year

year name club
2008 - 2009 Carmel Casey Gander Wings
2009 - 2010 Nannette Blake  
2010 - 2011 Allison Ash Mt. Pearl
2011 - 2012 Beverly Barbour Mt. Pearl
2012 - 2013 Joe Philpott Gander Wings
2013 - 2014 Beverly Barbour Mt. Pearl
2014 - 2015 Connie Lidstone Exploits Hurricanes
2015 - 2016 Philly O'Grady Gander Wings
2016 - 2017 Marg Byrd Gander Wings
2017 - 2018 Joe Philpott Gander Wings
2018 - 2019 Sue Horne Mt. Pearl
2019 - 2020 Melissa Tobin Mt. Pearl
2020 - 2021 Not Awarded  
2021 - 2022 Gary Butler CBS Brightstars
2022 - 2023 Pauline Price Exploits Hurricanes
2023 - 2024    

presidents award

year name role
2017 - 2018 Kevin Dunphy Past Chair, SONL Board of Directors
2018 - 2019 Shirley Miller RLC Executive Member
2019 - 2020 Gail Baker CBS Brightstars, Executive Member
2020 - 2021 Not Awarded  
2021 - 2022 Not Awarded  
2022 - 2023 Junior Humphries Labrador West Big Landers, Executive Member
2023 - 2024    

rising star coach of the year

year name club
2021 - 2022 Alexandra Gamble CBS Brightstars
2022 - 2023 Molly Gill CBS Brightstars
2023 - 2024    
2024 - 2025    

evan ash builder award

year name club
2017 - 2018    
2018 - 2019 Colleen Ryan Exploits Hurricanes
2019 - 2020 Philly O'Grady Gander Wings
2020 - 2021 Not Awarded  

2021 - 2022

Joe Tremblett Exploits Hurricanes
2022 - 2023 Colleen Abbott Clarenville Allstars
2023 - 2024    

2020 - 2021 COVID-19 AWARDS

These awards were given out in place of our typical Provincial Award categories.

award name club
Courageous Cameron Bennett Bay St. George Bravehearts
Outstanding Matthew McCarthy CBS Brightstars
Venturesome Samantha Walsh Bay St. George Bravehearts
Impactful Heather Miller CBS Brightstars
Determined Valerie Mercer CBS Brightstars
1 "One for All, All for One" Coach, Daphne White CBS Brightstars
9 "The Whole Nine Yards" Coach, Shirley Miller CBS Brightstars