TORONTO / VANCOUVER – AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is proud to announce that the Toronto Star has been named the Presenting Sponsor of the Randy Starkman Award for Leadership in Sports Journalism.
The award, which was revived last year as part of the Canadian Sport Awards following a decade long-absence, will be officially handed out at this year’s celebration on Friday evening.
The award was initially created in 2012, following the sudden passing of its namesake just a few months prior, who served as a long-time Toronto Star amateur sports reporter and advocate. It recognizes the extraordinary career and unparalleled contributions of the late Randy Starkman in telling the stories of Canadian athletes and sport for over 30 years from an athletes’ perspective.
“We are grateful for the support of the Toronto Star, as we celebrate the second year of our renewed Randy Starkman Award,” said Alan Hudes, Manager of Communications and Sport Parterships at AthletesCAN. “Randy was cherished by the National Team athletes he covered and inspired so many of his colleagues in the media industry through his work for the Star. We’re proud to partner with them on such a meaningful tribute as part of the Canadian Sport Awards.”
About the Canadian Sport Awards
The Canadian Sport Awards were established in 1972 by modern day co-founders True Sport, Canadian Centre for Ethics and Sport, Canada Games Council, Commonwealth Sport Canada, and AthletesCAN to recognize and showcase excellence in Canadian sport. Since then, the CSA evolved over time to become the premier recognition event for national sporting excellence. After the 40th anniversary, the awards experienced a five-year hiatus. In 2017, AthletesCAN successfully acquired the rights to revive this staple event to once again bring together members of the sport community to honour the spirit, drive, and commitment of Canada’s international level athletes, coaches, volunteers, and sport leaders.
About AthletesCAN
AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is the only fully independent and most inclusive athlete organization in the country and the first organization of its kind in the world. As the voice of over 6,000 current and recently retired Canadian national team athletes, AthletesCAN membership spans 68 sports across the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan/Parapan American, and Commonwealth Games, and those currently funded by Sport Canada competing at Senior World Championships.
AthletesCAN ensures an athlete-centered sport system by developing athlete leaders who influence sport policy and, as role models, inspire a strong sport culture, through educational resources, support, training and professional development. Follow us on social @AthletesCAN and Join #TheCollective today.
For more information, please contact:
Alan Hudes
Manager, Communications and Sport Partnerships
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
ahudes@athletescan.ca