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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 |