Executive Council
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
May 25, 2016

Recognizing Athletic Excellence

Premier's Athletic Awards Honour Province's Top Athletes

More than 100 of the province's top young athletes, representing 26 sports, were recognized yesterday (Tuesday, May 24) by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, during the 12^th annual Premier's Athletic Awards. The ceremony was held at the Holiday Inn in St. John's.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is home to some incredibly talented people and that is certainly true when it comes to sport. The Premier's Athletic Awards program was developed to honour our top athletes and their extraordinary accomplishments as well as to provide them with financial support to offset the costs of further athletic development as they continue to pursue excellence in their chosen sports."
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The program provides awards ranging from $500 to $1,500 to assist young athletes in covering the costs associated with training and competition at the elite level. The amount each athlete receives is dependent on the level of competition in which they are engaged, and their respective accomplishments.

A complete list of award winners can be found in the backgrounder below.

"We are committed to promoting physical activity and healthy living for all citizens in Newfoundland and Labrador. By supporting sport and our province's top athletes as they continue to pursue athletic excellence, we are helping to build role models in our communities. I hope this year's award winners inspire others to get involved in sport and other forms of physical activity as part of a healthy, active lifestyle."
- The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Tuesday's event also included the presentation of Team Gushue Awards, awarded for academic and athletic excellence and valued at $5,000 each, to Jillian Forsey of Kippens (athletics) and Patrick Parfrey of St. John's (rugby). This is the third consecutive year Ms. Forsey has won this award; Mr. Parfrey is a first-time winner.

Ms. Forsey is currently enrolled in pre-medicine at the University of West Virginia and continues to excel in athletics competing internationally with Team Canada and at the intercollegiate level in the NCAA.

Mr. Parfrey is currently completing a masters degree in clinical epidemiology at Memorial University and is a member of Canada's national senior men's rugby team.

For eligibility requirements and further information about the Premier's Athletic Awards and other elite athlete assistance programs, see: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/recreation/financial_assistance/athletic_excellence_fund.html.

QUICK FACTS

• More than 100 of the province's top young athletes, representing 26 sports, were recognized yesterday during the 12^th annual Premier's Athletic Awards.
• The program provides awards ranging from $500 to $1,500 to assist young athletes in covering the costs associated with training and competition at the elite level.
• Tuesday's event also included the presentation of Team Gushue Awards, awarded for academic and athletic excellence and valued at $5,000 each, to Jillian Forsey of Kippens (athletics) and Patrick Parfrey of St. John's (rugby).
• For eligibility requirements and further information about the Premier's Athletic Awards and other elite athlete assistance programs, see: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/recreation/financial_assistance/athletic_excellence_fund.html

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BACKGROUNDER
Premier's Athletic Awards 2016 Recipients

2016 05 25                              4:35 p.m.