The following is being distributed at the request of the Newfoundland and Labrador High School Athletic Federation:

High school athletic federation seeking nominations for its annual awards

The high school athletic federation is currently accepting nominations for its annual awards. High school�s top student-athletes, coaches and administrators will be honoured at the awards banquet held in conjunction with the annual general meeting, May 23 in St. John�s.

The top male and female student-athletes will receive the Brother G.I. Moore Student-Athlete of the Year Award, along with a $750 scholarship from Newfoundland Power. The first and second runners-up will receive $500 and $250 respectively, sponsored by Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department Tourism, Culture and Recreation. In order to be considered for this award, students must be in their graduating year, and should combine athletic excellence and sportsmanship in such a way as to produce those qualities which best portray the objectives of our educational system.

Two awards will be presented to high school coaches. The Coach of the Year Award will be presented to a coach who enjoys an exceptional year of coaching success. Candidates will be judged on accomplishments, sportsmanship and dedication to successful teams.

The Coaching Service Award is presented to a maximum of three individuals in recognition of a long history of involvement in high school sport. It is intended to recognize the coach who has a strong developmental program in the school and has demonstrated a strong commitment to the total development of the student-athlete.

The Honour Award will be presented to an individual in recognition of outstanding service to high school athletics at provincial, regional and/or zone levels.

Each of the 11 regions in the province will award a Recognition Award to someone from their region selected by the region, to a coach, convenor, official or administrator deserving of federation recognition for his/her contribution to school sports.

Three School of the Year Awards will be presented to schools in each of the 2A, 3A and 4A divisions. The winning schools will have demonstrated high levels of participation and success at all levels of high school sport. Schools will be judged on a variety of things including their success, at qualification/provincial tournaments, participation of students and staff and support of federation iniatives. The winning schools receive a School of the Year banner as well as a $250 cash prize, sponsored by School Milk Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The deadline for nominations is April 15, 2003. Nomination forms have been sent to all member schools, and all nominations must be endorsed by a member school.

Media contact: Karen Richard, (709) 729-2795, fax (709) 729-2705.

2003 02 20                                         10:20 a.m.