Changes made to Stephen Awards

In an effort to secure more nominations in its athletic categories, the Stephen Awards committee has made a few changes to this year's nomination process.

The male and female athlete categories have been changed to Junior Male and Junior Female Athlete of the Year, which is open to those 21-years-old or younger as of Dec. 31st of the award year.

The former masters category has been changed to Senior Athlete of the Year, which is open to both males and females 22-years-old or older as of Dec. 31st of the award year. The previous age for this category was 35-years-old or older.

"We feel there are lots of deserving senior athletes out there and we would like to see them nominated," said Darlene Oake, committee chair.

Criteria for the other Stephen Awards competitive categories - Citizen of the Year and Youth of the Year - remain unchanged.

"There are so many volunteers in our communities who give countless hours to many groups and organizations - it's great to have some avenue through which they can be recognized," said Ms. Oake.

"The volunteers certainly don't do what they do to be recognized, but I think the Stephen Awards help draw attention to the work that volunteers do in our communities."

She said the time it takes to complete a nomination form is a small way to recognize the work of local volunteers.

"I strongly feel that it's an honour to be nominated for any of the competitive award categories of the Stephen Awards," added Ms. Oake. "It's certainly nice to win and because there are several competitive categories someone has to win. However, choosing a winner must certainly be difficult for the judges with so many impressive and deserving candidates nominated each year."

The committee is also continuing with its Outstanding Volunteer Work awards, which is a non-competitive category.

The deadline for nominations is March 31. Forms are available at CFSX, the Georgian, and Stephenville and Kippens town halls. The Stephen Awards banquet takes place April 17 at Stephenville's Holiday Inn. Tickets are available at Debbie's Video Shoppe and Ben's Pharmacy.

For more information, contact committee member Don Gibbon at 643-2191 or d.gibbon@nf.sympatico.ca. [Note: Georgian Editor Christopher Vaughan is also a committee member.]

editor@thegeorgian.ca