Celebrating Chantal Larocque-Fritzche: Regional Recipient of the 2024 Tom Longboat Award for Manitoba

November 26, 2024

The Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council (MASRC) is proud to announce that Chantal Larocque-Fritzche has been selected as the regional recipient of the prestigious 2024 Tom Longboat Award for Manitoba. This award, named after one of Canada’s greatest Indigenous athletes, honours Indigenous athletes who demonstrate exceptional athletic achievement, leadership, and commitment to their communities. Chantal’s accomplishments both on and off the field make her an inspiring example of resilience, dedication, and cultural pride.

Chantal’s athletic journey is defined by a dedication to continual growth and improvement. She has embraced a structured, well-rounded approach to training that prioritizes not only physical strength but also overall well-being. Chantal’s training regimen combines strength training with cardiovascular conditioning, and she has found that CrossFit workouts suit her best. However, it is not just about lifting heavy weights or pushing limits in the gym-Chantal understands the importance of longevity in athletics. She integrates active recovery, flexibility, and mobility work into her routine to preserve her body and ensure long-term performance.

Her commitment to a holistic lifestyle extends beyond the physical. Chantal also places a strong emphasis on nutrition, always striving to fuel her body for success. Recognizing the importance of recovery, she balances her intense training with mindful self-care, ensuring her body and mind are in peak condition. This dedication to balance allows her to compete at the highest levels while safeguarding her health for the future.

Chantal’s achievements are a testament to her hard work and commitment, but what truly sets her apart is her role as a positive role model for Indigenous athletes. As an athlete, she has proudly worn traditional beaded medallions during competitions as a way to honour her heritage and bring visibility to her Indigenous culture. This thoughtful act helps to showcase the importance of cultural identity in the world of sport.

Beyond her personal accomplishments, Chantal actively gives back to her community. She has volunteered her time by coaching and mentoring both Indigenous and non-Indigenous athletes, sharing her knowledge and experience to inspire the next generation. Her work in the community extends to storytelling, where she shares her own journey as an Indigenous athlete to encourage others to follow their dreams and pursue their passions, regardless of the challenges they may face. For Chantal, being an athlete is about more than just winning-it’s about using her platform to make a difference and create positive change.

Her spiritual practices, including prayer and connection to nature, are key to her personal grounding and well-being. Spending time outdoors and staying connected to her heritage through spiritual practices helps her maintain a deep sense of identity and purpose. These activities may seem simple, but for Chantal, they are a crucial part of staying connected to her Indigenous roots and keeping her life in balance.

Chantal’s athletic resume speaks for itself, with a long list of accomplishments that demonstrate her talent, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Some of her recent achievements include:

• 2023 Gold Medal at the International Street & Ball Hockey World Championships (Masters) (USA)
• 2023 Player of the Game at the ISBH World Championships (USA)
• 2023 All Star Selection at the ISBH World Championships (USA)
• 2024 Top Forward at the Canada Ball Hockey National Championships
• 2024 All Star Selection at the Canada Ball Hockey National Championships
• 2024 Gold Medal at the Canada Ball Hockey National Championships
• 2024 Captain of Team Manitoba Masters

Chantal’s accomplishments on the field are a reflection of her hard work and dedication, and she continues to push herself to new heights in her athletic career. As a leader and captain, she inspires her teammates and elevates the game, all while remaining a proud ambassador for her culture.

As a Indigenous athlete, Chantal embodies the values of strength, resilience, and community. Her role as a leader in the world of sports is a reflection of the powerful and positive impact that Indigenous athletes can have in breaking barriers and inspiring others. She demonstrates that athletic success is about more than just individual achievement-it’s about lifting others up, sharing knowledge, and staying grounded in one’s cultural identity.

MASRC is proud to celebrate Chantal Larocque-Fritzche’s outstanding achievements and her role as an ambassador for Indigenous excellence in sport. She is an inspiring example of the power of sport to build community, promote well-being, and honour heritage. We are excited to see what the future holds for Chantal as she continues to break new ground in her athletic career and in her community work.

NT5