Athletes ‘truly amazing’
And the tradition continues.
The Town Crier maintained its longstanding commitment to honouring the very best in high school athletics with the 22nd annual Athlete of the Year awards.
About 80 people turned out to recognize the efforts of student-athletes from across the city at a breakfast on June 11 at Roy Foss Chevrolet of Leaside.
Keynote speaker and three-time Olympian Joanne Malar shared her experiences and advice on what allowed her to become one of the very best swimmers in the world.
“These athletes are truly amazing,” said the Hamilton native, after the breakfast. “Speaking with them you get to hear all their credentials and you realize the future is their oyster.
“They all have big dreams, big eyes and I really hope they pursue all their dreams,” Malar added. “It’s up to them to make things happen.”
Over 50 schools from all areas of the city nominated their top senior female and male athletes, netting more than 80 finalists. While all received recognition, one athlete was chosen as the overall winner and five others for regional awards: North, West, East and co-winners in the Central region.
In her address to the students and coaches, Malar said she hopes they take at least one important message from her remarkable journey as one of Canada’s most decorated athletes ever.
“This biggest thing I’ve learned is that you should expect obstacles and to learn from them instead of turning away,” said Malar, whose best Olympic result was fourth in the 200 metre individual medley in Atlanta. “These athletes should not be afraid to try something new and sure there is a risk to fail, but nothing is failure if you learn something from it.”
While the event has been going strong for over two decades, this year marked the first time Roy Foss Chevrolet has been a key supporter. Roy Foss general manager Wade Pedderson hopes the partnership will keep moving forward.
“I congratulate all the winners on their athletic achievement,” Pederson said. “I encourage them to continue to pursue both athletic and academic excellence as they represent the community leaders of tomorrow.”
As for Malar, she said she’s honoured to be part of an event that has such huge emphasis on the local community.
“It’s awesome that a local paper steps up to celebrate and recognize such great athletes,” she said.
“It also gives them a chance to meet each other and while they’re not meaning to network, it does give them a chance to connect and root for eachother in the future.”