Government of Yukon is awarding territorial sport awards to 44 individual athletes and two teams including the Premier's awards of sport excellence.
The Government of Yukon is recognizing the accomplishments of Yukon's sport community in 2019 with the announcement of the Celebration of Sport Excellence awards.
This year, the Government of Yukon is awarding territorial sport awards to 44 individual athletes and two teams, representing 14 different sports. These awards include the Premier's awards of sport excellence, which also includes the recognitions of medal winners from the 2019 Canada Winter Games and the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games, as well as the Minister's awards of sport recognition. The Celebration of Sport Excellence also recognizes sport awards given by Sport Yukon, previously announced in May 2020, and by the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle.
Though the in-person celebration is not happening this year because of COVID-19, award recipients will receive their awards and are being recognized with a video message from Minister of Community Services John Streicker as well as a commemorative layout in What's Up Yukon and L'Aurore boréale.
Yukon Premier Sandy Silver said in a statement, In 2019, Yukon athletes and coaches achieved so much at the regional, national and international level of competition. Their achievements, built on a strong Yukon work ethic, drive and talent, are not only an inspiration to the next generation of Yukon athletes, but to all Yukoners.
Dylan Cozens was recognized for being chosen as the 2019 Western Hockey League Eastern Conference player of the year.
Natalie Hynes was recognized for her bronze medal finish in cross-country skiing at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
Julianne Girouard, Mara Roldan, Mia Barrault, Cassi Jensen, Jaymi Hinchey and Judi Russel were all recognized for their medal placing at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.
Ernest Chua received his Premier's award of sport excellence for his success, including two silver medals, at the Special Olympics Summer World Games that were held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in March 2019.
Winners of the Premier's awards of excellence and the Minister's awards of recognition have achieved a level of excellence in their sport or a special level of accomplishment in their sport. These athletes were nominated by their sport governing body.