Four of the nominees up for Sport Manitoba’s annual sports award have Thompson connections in common.
Great-West Life outstanding volunteer of the year nominees include Thompson’s Murray Kissick and Sandra Ross-Hitch, co-chairs of the host society in charge of the 2018 Manitoba Games that took place in Thompson last spring. They are up against Elli Ammazzini of Bowls Manitoba, Trina Bandura of KidSport, athletics volunteer Chris Harbeck, volleyball volunteer Korny Loewen, baton volunteer Marie Speare, 10-pin bowling volunteer Dan Tereck, golf volunteer Rick Thaine and fellow Thompsonite Alex Sutherland. A former recreation superintendent for the City of Thompson, Sutherland is nominated for his volunteer contributions to curling.
Canadian national racquetball singles and doubles champion Jennifer Saunders, who took up the sport while growing up in Thompson and became the holder of the most national racquetball titles ever last May – 10 singles and 12 doubles championships – is one of five nominees in the Labatt open female athlete of the year category. She is up against curler Kaitlyn Lawes, golfer Rhonda Orr, basketball player Emily Potter and swimmer Kelsey Wog.
"Every year we come together to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials who've made a name for themselves on the provincial, national, and international stages at this prestigious event,” said Sport Manitoba president and CEO Jeff Hnatiuk in a press release. “This year's class of nominees proves that Manitoba's sport community is as strong as it’s ever been, and we're proud to support each of them with the programs and services we deliver at the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre and beyond. Congratulations to this year's nominees."
Manitoba’s best athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers will be recognized for their sporting achievements at the 2019 Night of Champions in Winnipeg April 13.
