Aboriginal Sport Circle announces the Tom Longboat and Coaching Awards Recipients

Akwesasne, Ontario

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is pleased to announce the National and Regional winners of the 2009 Tom Longboat and National Aboriginal Coaching awards.

In the fall of each year, the ASC circulates a national invitation to Aboriginal communities, education institutions, Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial sport bodies to nominate outstanding individuals for the Tom Longboat and Coaching Awards. These prestigious awards honour the accomplishments of amateur athletes and coaches of Aboriginal ancestry for 2009. Recognizing the achievements of Aboriginal athletes and coaches from coast-to-coast is important to Aboriginal people. Celebrating the successes of deserving athletes and sport leaders is a priority of the Aboriginal Sport Circle.Winners of the awards demonstrate excellence through athletic and coaching achievements. Coaching recipients are recognized for their ongoing community development through leadership and dedication as well as fostering holistic development in their own lives as well as the lives of the athletes they coach. Longboat recipients are recognized for their commitment to athletic development, fair play and sportsmanship, holistic balance and also by giving back to their communities.

2010 marks the 103rd anniversary of legendary marathon runner Tom Longboat’s amazing Boston Marathon victory in 1907.

Quote from George ‘Tex’ Marshall, ASC Chair – “On behalf of our ASC Elders, Board of Directors and staff we would like to express our sincere congratulations to our National Tom Longboat award winners and National Coaching award recipients as well as all regional recipients. You are all to be commended for your great accomplishments as role models to all Aboriginal youth, and the great things you have done for our people is a testament to your passion, desire and commitment to excel. For this, we honor you all. May the Great Spirit of our Creator continue to guide you in your journey towards success.”

A national selection committee representing the Aboriginal Sport Community has selected the top male and female national recipients for each category. The ASC is pleased to announce the 2009 National Aboriginal Tom Longboat and Coaching Award recipients:

2009 Tom Longboat National Award recipients –

Male recipient: Ammon Crowfoot, Basketball – Alberta

Female recipient: Bridgette Lacquette, Ice Hockey – Manitoba

2009 National Aboriginal Coaching Award recipients –

Male recipient: Courage Bear, Ice Hockey – Saskatchewan

Female recipient: Gloria Hendrick-Laliberte, Soccer/Softball/Track & Field – Ontario

2009 Tom Longboat Award Regional Winners – Male

Athlete; Sport; Province/Territory

William Forsey; Athletics; Newfoundland
Wade Googoo; Softball (Fastpitch); Nova Scotia
Wasontiio Stacey; Hockey; Eastern Door and the North
Keon Doblej; Basketball/Football; Ontario
Josh Ahmo; Football; Manitoba
Todd Fiddler; Hockey; Saskatchewan
Ammon Crowfoot; Basketball/X-Country; Alberta
Phil Mack; Rugby; British Columbia

2009 Tom Longboat Award Regional Winners – Female

Jillian Forsey; Athletics; Newfoundland/Labrador
Holly Ann Denny; Softball (Fastpitch); Nova Scotia
Johnna Montour; Equestrian; Eastern Door and the North
Lindsay Doxtator; Lacrosse; Ontario
Brigette Lacquette; Hockey; Manitoba
Jessie Lilly; Triathalon; Alberta
Brittany Schroeder; Hockey/Volleyball; British Columbia
Danielle Marcotte; Pistol/Rifle Shooting; Yukon

2009 Coaching Award Regional Winners – Male

Jason Peters
Basketball
New Brunswick

Anthony Mason
Basketball/Volleyball
Manitoba

Courage Bear
Multi
Saskatchewan

Terry Montour
Lacrosse
British Columbia

Randy Merkel
Hockey
Yukon

2009 Coaching Award Regional Winners – Female

Arlene White
Multi
Newfoundland/Labrador

Gloria Hendrick-Laliberte
Soccer/Softball
Ontario

Dana Riccio
Basketball
Manitoba

The Aboriginal Sport Circle is Canada’s voice for Aboriginal sport and recreation, which brings together the interests of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. The ASC was created through a national consensus-building process, in response to the need for more accessible and equitable sport and recreation opportunities for Aboriginal people, and is committed to the development of Aboriginal athletes and coaches by supporting their efforts to achieve personal excellence through sport. The ASC takes a holistic approach to sport by promoting an environment which offers a balanced approach to the physical and mental, as well as the spiritual and cultural development of Aboriginal athletes, coaches and community sport leaders.

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Sauve, Manager,
Coaching & Leadership Development
Tel.: 613 236-9624
Email: asauve@aboriginalsportcircle.ca
www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca