Sport Manitoba – Announcing this Year’s Winners

April 23, 2016, Winnipeg, MB – Each year, Sport Manitoba’s annual Night of Champions presented by Manitoba Chicken Producers celebrates sports excellence in Manitoba.  There was plenty to celebrate on Saturday night as athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and Hall of Fame inductees were recognized for their remarkable achievements in amateur sport in our province.

“It is an honour for us to host an event like the Night of Champions that recognizes and celebrates sport excellence in our province”, said Laurel Read, Interim CEO of Sport Manitoba. “Sport Manitoba is incredibly proud of the accomplishments of tonight’s nominees, winners and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame Inductees.”

“Manitoba Chicken Producers is very pleased to be presenting sponsor of Night of Champions and the Junior Athlete of the Year Awards. Sport is important for healthy communities and the Junior Athletes are wonderful ambassadors for their communities and their sports,” said Stuart Nikkel, Manitoba Chicken Producers.  “Congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients.” 

Sport award recipients announced on April 23, 2016 at the Club Regent Event Centre included:

Manitoba Chicken Junior Female Athlete of the Year
Isabela Onyshko, Gymnastics  – Brandon
*she won this category last year

Manitoba Chicken Junior Male Athlete of the Year
Travis Sanheim, Hockey – Elkhorn

Calm Air Junior Team of the Year
Team Calvert, Curling
*they won this category last year

IMPACT Female Coach of the Year presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
Lorie Henderson – Gymnastics – Brandon
*Onyshko’s coach

IMPACT Male Coach of the Year presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
Tom Clasper, Curling
*Team Calvert’s coach

OPIN Official of the Year
Sandra Kirby, Rowing

Outstanding Volunteer
Bill Finch, Softball

The Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council recognized their athletes and volunteers of the year at the event (click the links for media releases):

Manitoba Aboriginal Female Athlete of the Year 
Sierra Halldorson, Soccer

Manitoba Aboriginal Male Athlete of the Year
Malachi Leclerc, Water Polo

Manitoba Aboriginal Female Volunteer of the Year
Chelsea McKay – Cross Lake First Nation

Manitoba Aboriginal Male Volunteer of the Year
Maurice Meeches – Long Plain First Nation

The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame inducted an all-round athlete who excelled in hockey and lacrosse, a former Hart Trophy winner and a national championship team from soccer…read full media release.

About

Sport Manitoba is a not for profit organization and the lead planning, programming and funding agency for the development of amateur sport in Manitoba. Located in the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre, Sport Manitoba partners with over 100 organizations to deliver sport in our province and is responsible for programs including the Power Smart Manitoba Games, Coaching Manitoba, Team Manitoba, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Fit Kids Healthy Kids, and KidSport. Services provided include the Sport Medicine Centre, Sport Performance Centre, and the Paul Robson Resource Centre for Leadership and Coaching.

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LINKS:

Night of Champions Event Page

Event Live Stream

Event Photo Album

For more information please contact:
Tara Skibo
Communications/Public Relations Officer
Sport Manitoba
Office: 204-925-5735
Cell: 204-781-1438
tara.skibo@sportmanitoba.ca