NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2009OTP0027-000175 Feb. 12, 2009	Office of the Premier Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport
PREMIER HONOURS PROVINCE’S TOP ATHLETES

VANCOUVER – Premier Gordon Campbell paid tribute to 102 top B.C. athletes representing 56 sport disciplines at the 2009 Premier’s Athletic Awards today.

 

 “Every one of these athletes is a strong example of what can be accomplished through dedication, hard work and a commitment to excellence,” said Premier Campbell. “They are an inspiration to all of us, and we are proud to have them represent our communities and our province.”

 

The annual Premier’s Athletic Awards recognize top female and male athletes in each of the sports and post-secondary institutions participating in the 2007/08 BC Athlete Assistance Program. These awards honour athletes who, through their commitment to hard work and excellence, have left their mark on sport in B.C.  Recipients are nominated by their respective provincial sport organization or post-secondary institution.

 

“We are pleased, through our BC Athlete Assistance Program, to support these athletes to reach their highest athletic goals,” said Mary Polak, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. “This is part of our overall $40-million annual investment in sport providing opportunities for all British Columbians to participate and excel at every level of sport from playground to podium.”

 

In 2007, government doubled funding to the BC Athlete Assistance Program from $700,000 to $1.4 million annually, providing grants to about 1,500 athletes each year. The program, funded by the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, recognizes and supports high-performance athletes striving to represent British Columbia, their post-secondary institutions and Canada in athletic competition.

 

Past award recipients include: Olympians Diane Cummins (Athletics), Gary Reed (Athletics), Brent Hayden (Swimming) and Kristina Richards (Freestyle Skiing), Paralympians Michelle Stilwell (Wheelchair Athletics) and Paul Gauthier (Boccia), and World Junior Triathlon Champion Kirsten Sweetland.

 

A commemorative plaque with each athlete’s photograph and list of achievements will be displayed at the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame and Museum for one year. For a list of all athletes, go to http://www.hls.gov.bc.ca/sport/awards_and_medals/premiers_athletic_awards.htm.

 

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Bridgitte Anderson Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177	Anne McKinnon Communications Director Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport 250 952-2387
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