The 2019 Sport and Recreation awards celebration and dinner was held at Frobisher Inn in Iqaluit on Oct. 26. Athletes and coaches from all over Nunavut attended the event.
Over a dozen awards were given out this year, including awards for the best coach, team, female and male athletes. About 100 people including, Premier Joe Savikataaq, were in attendance at the gala.
Alongside the award ceremony and buffet dinner, guests had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for sport themed prizes.
The three-hour event was spent recognizing and honouring the efforts and accomplishments of volunteers, leaders, organizations, athletes, coaches and officials who contributed to the growth of sport and recreation in Nunavut this past year.
The Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut award recipients were:
- Baffinland Iron Mines Recreation Leader of the Year: Qumangaapik Arnatsiaq (Iglulik)
- One Ocean Expedition Youth Leader of the Year: Quentin Sala (Sanikiluaq)
- Community Organization of the Year: King William United Soccer (Gjoa Haven)
- First Air Presidents Award of Excellence: Jim Kreuger (Baker Lake)
- Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Award of Merit: Kim Masson (Iqaluit)
- Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Partner of the Year: Jays Care Foundation
The Sport Nunavut award recipients were:
- Male Athlete of the Year: Maxwell Joy (Hockey - Iqaluit)
- Female Athlete of the Year: Shawna Kyak (Soccer, Badminton, Volleyball - Iqaluit)
- Team of the Year: CWG U15 Male Hockey Team
- Official of the Year: Ian McDonald (Soccer - Iqaluit)
- Coach of the Year: Martin Joy (CWG U15 Male Coach)
Special Recognition:
- Darrin Nichol: Rankin Inlet Hockey
- Daniel Young: Iqaluit, Wrestling
- Valerie Kosmenko: Iqaluit, Judo and Curling
- Mike McPherson: Iqaluit, Hockey
- Vera Arnatsiaq: Iglulik, Soccer