Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the Occasion of the 2012 Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Canadian Sport Awards

CALGARY, Oct. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to congratulate the winners of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame's 40^th Canadian Sport Awards.

The Athletic Performance Awards recognize outstanding athletic performance. This year's winners include:

Male Athlete of the Year: Adam van Koeverden, Kayak, Oakville, ON

Female Athlete of the Year: Rosannagh MacLennan, Trampoline, King City, ON

Junior Athlete of the Year: Filip Peliwo, Tennis, Vancouver, BC

Team of the Year: Soccer - Women's (Olympic)

Partners of the Year: Rowing - Men's Eight (Olympic)

The Leadership Awards recognize and celebrate an individual's outstanding contribution to the improvement of sport. The winner of this year's Volunteer Achievement Award is Slava Corn, in Gymnastics.

The Corporate Excellence Award recognizes and celebrates a corporation that provides outstanding support to Canadian sport, and the 2012 winner is the Royal Canadian Legion.

Dedication to their sport and country has propelled these athletes to the forefront of sport both here at home and on the international stage. Each has achieved a level of success rarely attained, and together they serve as role models for a whole new generation of Canadian athletes. These award winners, as well as those of the past, are truly an inspiration to all Canadians.

To the Royal Canadian Legion, I thank you for your ongoing commitment to supporting Canadian sport excellence. Together, we are working to ensure that our athletes continue to proudly represent Canada on the international stage.

As the Minister of State for Sport, I am very proud of our amazing Canadian sport heroes—past and present. Their accomplishments show that Canada is truly a leading sport nation.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

(media only), please contact:

Jenny Van Alstyne
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1191
[email protected]