Burlington Sport Alliance needs your nominations for Burlington’s top athletes

The deadline to nominate a local athlete or builder for a Burlington Sport Alliance award is fast approaching.

Burlington Sport Alliance is a collaboration of sporting organizations that work cooperatively to provide a collective voice for the ongoing promotion and education of the benefits of sport within Burlington.

For more than 15 years, it has recognized local volunteers, builders and athletes and supports the values and principles of True Sport and participACTION.

After a three-year pandemic break, the BSA will hand out 15 awards this year and is looking for nominations.

Nominees or their family must reside in Burlington, or have resided in Burlington at the time of their achievement, or received a majority of their training over an extended number of years with a Burlington club or organization.

Achievements will be considered on the basis of the level of competition and number of competitors.

Here are the award categories:

Athlete of the Year: Any athlete who has competed in provincial, national, international or professional sport. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of the current calendar year, but the selection committee will consider previous accomplishments as well.

Junior Athletes of the Year: Candidates must be no more than 14 years old at the beginning of the most recent competitive season.

Masters Athletes of the Year: Any athlete competing in a masters category, as defined by the sport’s national body. Must have competed on a team or as an individual for a minimum of three years. Consideration will be given to the individual’s contributions to the sport.

Parathlete of the Year: Any athlete who has competed in provincial, national or international sport that is recognized by ParaSport Ontario.

Special Olympics Dr. Frank Hayden Award: An outstanding Special Olympian who has competed in local, provincial, national or international sport within Special Olympics and has shown leadership and sportsmanship.

A.J. Dunn Sports Person of the Year: Presented to a volunteer whose leadership over a number of years has led to the advancement of sport within the Burlington community; is a respected member of the community whose commitment, drive and high level of responsibility have led to better programs and sporting opportunities for the citizens of Burlington.

Volunteer Sport Builder of the Year: Presented to a volunteer who through coaching, officiating, committee membership, fundraising or other contributions has led to the advancement of sports in Burlington. Personal sacrifice for the sake of athletes and the success or viability of a sport in which the person has volunteered is also considered.

Champion of Sport: Presented to a coach whose dedication and commitment have led a Burlington team or athlete to championship or a high performance level of competition.

Official of the Year: Presented to an official/judge/referee whose dedication and commitment at a local, provincial, national or international level has led to excellent competition and fair play.

For more information, or to nominate someone by April 30, visit the BSA website.