The Government of Yukon is recognizing the accomplishments of Yukon’s sport community in 2019 with the announcement of the Celebration of Sport Excellence awards.
This year, the Government of Yukon is awarding territorial sport awards to 44 individual athletes and two teams, representing 14 different sports. These awards include the Premier’s awards of sport excellence, which also includes the recognitions of medal winners from the 2019 Canada Winter Games and the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games, as well as the Minister’s awards of sport recognition. The Celebration of Sport Excellence also recognizes sport awards given by Sport Yukon, previously announced in May 2020, and by the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle.
Though the in-person celebration is not happening this year because of COVID-19, award recipients will receive their awards and are being recognized with a video message from Minister of Community Services John Streicker as well as a commemorative layout in What’s Up Yukon and L’Aurore boréale.
In 2019, Yukon athletes and coaches achieved so much at the regional, national and international level of competition. Their achievements, built on a strong Yukon work ethic, drive and talent, are not only an inspiration to the next generation of Yukon athletes, but to all Yukoners.
Premier Sandy Silver
I am thrilled to once again celebrate the accomplishments of our Yukon athletes. The achievements of our Yukon athletes and coaches in 2019 speak to the strength and abilities of our territorial sport community – athletes, coaches and administrators. Even though COVID-19 has been challenging for athletes, teams and games, I am inspired by the fact that many of our Yukon athletes are continuing to train, work towards their personal bests and look forward to the time when they can once again compete in regional, national and international competitions.
Minister of Community Services John Streicker
Dylan Cozens was recognized for being chosen as the 2019 Western Hockey League Eastern Conference player of the year.
Natalie Hynes was recognized for her bronze medal finish in cross-country skiing at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
Julianne Girouard, Mara Roldan, Mia Barrault, Cassi Jensen, Jaymi Hinchey and Judi Russel were all recognized for their medal placing at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.
Ernest Chua received his Premier’s award of sport excellence for his success, including two silver medals, at the Special Olympics Summer World Games that were held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in March 2019.
Winners of the Premier’s awards of excellence and the Minister’s awards of recognition have achieved a level of excellence in their sport or a special level of accomplishment in their sport. These athletes were nominated by their sport governing body.
Celebration of Sport Excellence
Premier’s awards of sport excellence
Allan Hansen Archery
Sofjia Jewell Archery
Emmett Kapaniuk Archery
Vincent Menard Archery
Emily King Arctic sports
Jack Amos Athletics
Jessica Frotten Athletics
Nadia Moser Biathlon
Jake Draper Biathlon
Aiden Hupe Biathlon
Isla Hupe Biathlon
Hunter Vincent Canoe kayak
Luanda Pronovost Canoe kayak
Dahria Beatty Cross-country skiing
Emily Nishikawa Cross-country skiing
Natalie Hynes Cross-country skiing
Derek Deuling Cross-country skiing
Sasha Masson Cross-country skiing
Amanda Thomson Cross-country skiing
Etienne Geoffroy-Gagnon Freestyle skiing
Layla Lombert Gymnastics
Dylan Cozens Hockey
Gavin Mckenna Hockey
Forest Pearson Orienteering
Jen Mackeigan Orienteering
Pia Blake Orienteering
Samuel Mather Snowboarding
Ernest Chua Special Olympics swimming
Darby McIntyre Special Olympics crosscountry skiing
Peewee Mustangs: Hockey
Axel Anderson, Taylor Bierlmeier,
Landon Cowper, Luke Cozens
Kaelen Halowaty, Nash Holmes
Jase Johnstone, Noah Kinney
Conner Labar, Keaton MacIntosh
Robbie Matthews, Gavin Mckenna
Kieron Mooney, Kayce Saligo
Zack Seguin, Chayce Tuton
Zander Underhill and coaches
Justin Halowaty, Derek Johnstone and
Michael Tuton.
2019 Canada Winter Games medal winner
Natalie Hynes Cross-country skiing
2019 Western Canada Summer Games medal winners
Julianne Girouard Canoe kayak
Mara Roldan Cycling
Mia Barrault Swimming
Cassi Jensen Wrestling
Jaymi Hinchey Wrestling
Judi Russell Wrestling
Minister’s awards of sport recognition
Emma TomTom Archery
Kate Koepke Arctic sports
Ava Irving-Staley Cycling
Mikayla Kramer Figure skating
Wylloh Dinn Gymnastics
Kassua Dreyer Swimming
Mike Sumner Special Olympics figure skating
Tijana McCarthy Special Olympics figure skating
Yukon North Stars: Hockey
Taylor Bierlmeier, Caely Burdes
Clementine Burgess, Emma Curtis
Alia Drummond, Maelle Gouaillier
Jayda Steele, Kianna Loots
Livia Mortimer, Heidi Nash
Kennedy O'Brien, Isabelle Paquette
Callie Quaile, Brooke Tobler
Emery Twardochleb, and coaches
Colin Nash, Pat Tobler and Trevor Twardochleb.
Sport Yukon award winners
International female athlete of the year Dahria Beatty
International male athlete of the year Dylan Cozens
National/territorial female athlete of the year Amelia Barrault
National/territorial male athlete of the year Derek Deuling
Administrator of the year Leslie Raenden
Team of the year PeeWee Mustangs
Yukon coach of the year Sean McCarron
Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle award winners
Aboriginal athlete of the year Emma TomTom
Aboriginal Arctic sports/Dene games athlete of the year Devin Forester
Aboriginal coach of the year Sarah Walz
Outstanding commitment to aboriginal sports Kwanlin Dün Recreation Department
Stewart Burnett
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
stewart.burnett@gov.yk.ca
Odile Nelson
Communications, Community Services
867-332-0886
odile.nelson@gov.yk.ca