The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

NLBA awards announced

The Newfoundland and Labrador Basketball Association announced the 1999 award winners this past weekend at the provincial annual general meeting. Tami Pennell of Mount Pearl was selected as elite coach of the year. Tami coached the 1998 provincial juvenile ladies team to a gold medal in PEI and is the head coach for the 2001 Canada Games program. She is also the assistant coach for Memorial University's Lady Seahawks.

Minor female coach of the year was awarded to Paula Johnson of Renews. Paula is president of the Southern Shore Hoops Club. The club provides over 100 kids the opportunity to compete in the sport of basketball. Paula coached the mini and intermediate "B" boys teams to provincial championships.

Minor male coach of the year honours went to Frank Foo of Corner Brook for his participation at G.C. Rowe School. Frank coached his team to a gold medal at the bantam boys provincials and also won a silver medal at the intermediate championships.

This year's recipients of the NLBA Achievement Awards, for their outstanding contribution to the sport of basketball were: Roger Barker of Stephenville, Steve Frampton of Lewisporte and Joe Lake of St. John's. The President's Award went to Gary Sooley of Mount Pearl for his outstanding contribution to the association at the board level.

The current board of directors consists of: Terry Burton as President, Glenn Normore as Past President, Jamey Jennings as Vice-President, Randy Ash as Secretary, Gary Sooley as Coaching Development, David Constantine as Minor Chair, and George Power as Senior Chair.

Contact: Bill Murphy, (709) 576-0247.

1999 07 09         12:20 p.m.