(SportPEI). As another sporting year begins to draw to a close, Sport PEI is once again inviting nominations for its annual awards.
Nominations may be made by any member of the public, as well as provincial sport associations, in any of eleven categories, including male and female athletes of the year (junior, senior, intercollegiate and masters), coach, team, administrator, and official of the year. Deadline for submissions is Friday, January 15, 2010.
The Amalgamated Dairies Ltd Administrator of the Year award salutes the efforts of the many dedicated volunteers in sport for their unselfish contribution to the sport delivery system.
The Coach of the Year award honours an individual who not only has enjoyed success with a team or athlete, but has contributed to a positive environment where athletes can learn and develop in a positive learning atmosphere.
The Island Petroleum Team of the Year award each year recognizes a team which has demonstrated superior achievement in sport and has represented P.E.I. in an exemplary manner at the local, regional, national or international level.
The PEI Mutual Insurance Company Official of the Year pays tribute to the important role of the official in amateur sport by recognizing the dedication and involvement of these individuals, many of whom are officiating in the top tier of their chosen sport.
Recognizing the importance of youth and their accomplishments in sport, the Rodd Hotels and Resorts Junior Female, and the Junior Male Athlete of the Year categories, recognize athletes 18 years of age or younger who have demonstrated outstanding achievement allied with commitment and a hard work ethic.
Excellence at the college or university level will be recognized in the finalists for the Paperflow Intercollegiate Athlete of the Year awards. Islanders have a great tradition of sporting excellence on the college circuit, and these awards will recognize those All-Canadians, M.V.Ps and all-stars who are stand-outs in varsity athletics.
Recognizing the older athlete, the Friendly Pharmacy Masters award will be presented to an individual or team over the age of 35, or who has competed in a specific Masters category in their chosen sport. Many of the Island’s older athletes excel on the national and international stage, and this award recognizes that athletic excellence can continue regardless of the age of the competitor.
Athletic excellence, character and determination and are qualities sought in our senior athletes, many of whom are viewed as role models when representing their province. The Senior Female, and the Bell Aliant Senior Male Athlete of the Year awards honour those Islanders who demonstrated those qualities in 2009.
To be eligible for consideration for an award, candidates must be considered to be from Prince Edward Island, or have established residency in the province. Athletes must be considered to be amateur in status.
Those nominated in the junior categories must have been 18 years of age or younger as of January 1, 2010, or have competed in junior competition throughout 2009.
Individuals or organizations making nominations are reminded that the athlete and team awards are for the calendar year 2009, and therefore selections will be based only on achievements from Jan.1 to Dec. 31 of the past year. Longevity and commitment over a number of years may be considered in declaring finalists for the administrator, coach, and official award.
Forms are available by calling Sport PEI at 368-4110, or downloading them from the website at www.sportpei.pe.ca The athletic awards banquet will be held in April, and the announcement of finalists will be made in the media leading up to the event.