In December, many people are thinking about Christmas. It's also a time to reflect on the year that was and that means it’s time to nominate worthy candidates for Orillia’s coveted Athlete of the Year Award for 2024.
The city’s top athletic prize has been awarded annually, with a few interruptions, since 1952.
For the third straight year, the Orillia Sport Council will shepherd the process, after city council asked the non-profit group to stick-handle the process and reinvigorate interest in the award.
Last year, world-class cyclist Isabella Holmgren won the coveted award, besting a field of worthy nominees. Winning the award was meaningful for the then-18-year-old.
"This is super special," Holmgren told OrilliaMatters following a ceremony at the Orillia Recreation Centre. "I'm very happy and grateful to be recognized with other great athletes from Orillia."
Mel St. Onge, a member of the Orillia Sport Council, said it’s important to recognize local athletes.
“Orillia has a heritage that includes many great athletes,” said St. Onge. “It’s very important to support and recognize these athletes who work hard, who show sportsmanship, who strive for excellence and who represent Orillia with class.”
Once again this year, St. Onge and other council members will be researching candidates and working with local sports groups and others to ensure local athletes are considered. However, it’s equally important that members of the public nominate worthy candidates.
The nomination process has been streamlined. You can fill out a nomination form online, here, on the Orillia Sport Council website. Printed forms found here (Download a Print Form) can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off any weekday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in care of Orillia Sport Council: 4174 Forest Wood Dr., Severn ON, L3V 7E1.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to nominate someone,” said St. Onge, who noted nominations must be received by Jan. 10, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Late entries will not be accepted.
The criteria to win the Athlete of the Year trophy, donated by Norm Davis of the Davis Trophy Co. in 1952, has not changed. The winner must have demonstrated athletic accomplishment that is based on individual ability, dedication to training and good sportsmanship.
The competition is open to anyone whose principal residence is encompassed by the Orillia school district — essentially those who live in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn or Rama First Nation.
The 12-member Orillia Sport Council will be joined by a member of the City of Orillia Recreation Advisory Committee in evaluating the nominees and determining a winner. The award will be presented at a special ceremony Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at the Orillia Waterfront Centre.
For more information, visit the Orillia Sport Council website. Click here for the nomination form.
