Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
April 13, 2015

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

Sport Newfoundland and Labrador hosts Stars and Legends Gala; Hands out Provincial Awards and Inducts 2015 Hall of Fame Members

Sport Newfoundland and Labrador held its annual Stars and Legends Awards Gala Saturday evening, April 11, amongst athletes, coaches, volunteers and sporting enthusiasts at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John�s. Eight Provincial Annual Awards were presented and six individuals were officially inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.

�The Stars and Legends Awards Gala is an exciting event that celebrates the highest level of sporting achievement in our province,� said Rod Nicholl, President, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador. �Once again this year, all those recognized are dedicated and accomplished people who are exceptional role models in our sporting community.�

The Provincial Annual Awards recognize the best athletic achievements in the past year. The recipients for 2014 were selected by Sport NL�s Selection Committee from a list of nominees submitted by 55 Provincial Sport Organizations across the province. They are:

• Senior Male Athlete of the Year: Sean Cleary (Softball)
• Senior Female Athlete of the Year: Jillian Forsey (Athletics)
• Junior Male Athlete of the Year: Clark Bishop (Hockey)
• Junior Female Athlete of the Year: Heather Healey (Baseball)
• Coach of the Year: John Hill (Softball)
• Team of the Year: Memorial University Women�s Soccer Team (Soccer)
• Executive of the Year: Mark Healy (Baseball)
• Volunteer of the Year: Mark Healy (Baseball)

The Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony provided formal recognition of the 2014 inductees, who were selected by the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame Board of Governors in January. They are:

• Paul Barron in the Builder category (Ball Hockey)
• George Connors in the Athlete/Veteran category (Hockey)
• Bill Davis in the Athlete category (Softball)
• Carla Edwards in the Athlete category (Volleyball)
• Deon Goulding in the Athlete/Builder category (Volleyball)
• Trevor O�Brien in the Athlete category (Athletics)

The Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame recognizes, honours, and pays tribute to individuals on the basis of playing ability, sportsmanship and character. It recognizes those who have achieved extraordinary distinction in any sport, whether that distinction be achieved in amateur and/or professional athletics.

�2014 marked another successful year for sport in Newfoundland and Labrador,� said Mr. Nicholl. �I�m so proud to be a part of a community that includes such talented and accomplished athletes, and we are honoured to present them with their respective awards.�

Sport Newfoundland and Labrador is a volunteer organization committed to the promotion and advancement of amateur sport throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. For more information on SportNL and the Stars and Legends Gala, visit: /www.sportnl.ca/.

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2015 04 13                             11:05 a.m.