The awards given out at Sport Manitoba’s Night of Champions presented by Manitoba’s Chicken Producers recognize the remarkable efforts of athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers in amateur sport in our province.

 

This year has been a banner year for Manitoba athletes on the provincial, national, and international stages. The team and individual sport awards honoured Manitobans who achieved or contributed to athletic success at these levels. Former winners include Clara Hughes (1990), Jonathan Toews (2005, 2006), Megan Imrie (2006), Brittany Shussler (2002, 2003), and Shannon Rempel (2001).
 
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame inducted two members and two teams in the Veteran category at the Night of Champions. Clarice (Lawton) Fitzpatrick was inducted in the All Round category for her contributions to the sport of Lawn Bowls while Terry Ball was inducted as an Athlete based upon his dominance on the university scene from 1966-70 with the Manitoba Bisons.  The 1960 & 62 St. Vital Bulldogs football teams were inducted in the Team category for their national championship wins as the Canadian Rugby Union (CRU)’s Percy Robinson Trophy.

 

“It is a great honour for us to host this Manitoba celebration of excellence,” said Jeff Hnatiuk President & CEO of Sport Manitoba. “Sport Manitoba is very proud of the accomplishments of tonight's nominees, winners and Hall of Fame inductees.”

 

“Sport is such an important part of Manitoba life and this evening’s winners represent the best in our province.  Their commitment to their chosen sport and their achievements inspire all of us.”  Josie Boschman, Board Member, Manitoba Chicken Producers . 

 

Sport Award recipients announced at the Night of Champions presented by Manitoba Chicken Producers on April 30, 2012 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre included:

•Calm Air Junior Team of the Year - Winnipeg Thrashers - Hockey
•Great-West Life Volunteer of the Year - Patti Hacault, Bruxelles - Baseball
•Sport Manitoba Official of the Year - Kathy Stoesz, Winnipeg - Gymnastics
•Manitoba Lotteries Male Coach of the Year - Bill Johnson, Winnipeg - Wheelchair Basketball
•Manitoba Lotteries Female Coach of the Year - Brigitte Smutny, Winnipeg - Sailing
•Manitoba Chicken Producers Junior Male Athletes of the Year - Quinton Howden, Oakbank - Hockey
•Manitoba Chicken Producers Junior Female Athlete of the Year - Chantal VanLandeghem, Winnipeg - Swimming
 
Biographies are available for all our winners by visiting www.sportmanitoba.ca/nightofchampions

 

The Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council also awarded their 2011 Manitoba Aboriginal Athletes of the Year: Julie Desrochers and Kiinnan French.