Ontario Science Centre awards the fifth annual Innovation in Mas' Award to Whitfield Belasco at the 2014 Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto King and Queen Competition and Show

TORONTO, August 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The envelope, please! The Ontario Science Centre awarded the fifth annual Innovation in Mas' Award to Precious Jewels at the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto King and Queen Competition and Show last night at Lamport Stadium. The band's creation, "Takerstodon D'Invader," which was portrayed by Sherwin Modeste, was designed and built by Whitfield Belasco, Bandleader, Concept Costume Creators.

"The Ontario Science Centre is proud to continue its partnership with the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto by presenting the Innovation in Mas' Award for the fifth consecutive year," said Dr. Hooley McLaughlin, Chief Science Officer, Ontario Science Centre. "'Takerstodon D'Invader' exemplifies the science behind Mas' costume design – innovation, experimentation and collaboration – and is most deserving of this year's award.'

The Ontario Science Centre awards the Innovation in Mas' Award to the designer whose creation best demonstrates scientific and artistic merit. The costume must exhibit innovation in materials, mechanics and engineering and demonstrate movement and durability.

The Award was created in 2010 to highlight the scientific processes involved in costume-making. This year's jury comprised:

• Vishnu Ramcharan, Specialist, Community and Visitor Engagement Coordinator, Ontario Science Centre
• Walter Stoddard, Researcher-Programmer, Ontario Science Centre
• Francis Jeffers, Executive Director, Visions of Science Network for Learning
• Aylin Doyle, Co-found and Exhibition Designer, Blue Rhino Design

"One of the greatest risks a designer can take is to hold to the integrity of their own visions and ideals when a compromise would seem more reasonable," said Walter Stoddard. "Whitfield Belasco effused passion and loyalty to his team, and his demonstration of these characteristics of innovation won him this year's award."

Precious Jewel was presented with a unique, custom-designed and -built trophy, which will remain at the band's Mas' camp until next year. 

The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people's lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 48 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for Science Centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. Please visit us at OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

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SOURCE: Ontario Science Centre

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