Amidst all the things that havenSA国际影视传媒檛 happened since Covid-19, youSA国际影视传媒檇 be forgiven if you forgot the Sport North Awards being handed out in person was one of them.

The awards were back in person for the first time since 2019 with this yearSA国际影视传媒檚 ceremony taking place at the Explorer Hotel on May 27. It was a packed house for good reason SA国际影视传媒� the winners who were supposed to receive their awards in both 2020 and 2022 were finally given their just due, while the class of 2021, known as the Covid Heroes, were also honoured.

The winners on the night included Kali Skauge, who was named the Robin Mercer-Sproule Junior Female Athlete of the Year for speed skating.

In accepting the award, Skauge got a bit emotional as she thanked everyone who got her to this point.

SA国际影视传媒淎ll my coaches for always encouraging me in my really busy schedule,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淓specially, my coach, Kerry (Egan), for always pushing me to be the best at everything that I do.SA国际影视传媒�

Kerry Galusha added yet another award to her burgeoning trophy case as she was named the Mary Beth Miller Senior Female Athlete of the Year.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 so nice to see everyone again after the last few years being cancelled,SA国际影视传媒� she said in accepting the award. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a great honour to accept this award. We all know curling is a team sport, so I couldnSA国际影视传媒檛 have done it (my teammates). ISA国际影视传媒檝e learned a lot from them and theySA国际影视传媒檙e great teammates.SA国际影视传媒�

The Coach of the Year category had the most nominees and the chosen one was Jeff Hipfner for his work in squash.

Spider Jones, outgoing president of NWT Squash, had a few words to say before Hipfner accepted his award.

SA国际影视传媒淛eff epitomizes what an exemplary coach aspires to: preparation fraught with detail and consideration,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淓xecution rife with encouragement and praise, never satisfied with the status quo, continually striving for self-improvement. All to provide his athletes with an experience that resonates with SA国际影视传媒榶ou matter, youSA国际影视传媒檙e important, you belongSA国际影视传媒�.SA国际影视传媒�

Bill Othmer, Sport NorthSA国际影视传媒檚 executive director, said being back in person after such a long absence was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate.

SA国际影视传媒淵ou could feel the energy and excitement in the room as we were able to get together to honour past and current recipients,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭hanks to the TSOs (territorial sport organizations) who nominated their athletes and thanks to the awards selection committee SA国际影视传媒� made up of TSOs SA国际影视传媒� who chose the winners.SA国际影视传媒�

2023 Sport North Award winners

Youth Female Athlete of the Year

Sofia Ardiles, squash

Youth Male Athlete of the Year

Seiya McEachern, speed skating

Robin Mercer-Sproule Junior Female Athlete of the Year

Kali Skauge, speed skating

Junior Male Athlete of the Year

Sage Acorn, speed skating

Mary Beth Miller Senior Female Athlete of the Year

Kerry Galusha, curling

Senior Male Athlete of the Year

Kevin Cull, taekwondo

Coach of the Year

Jeff Hipfner, squash

Dennis Crane Memorial Official of the Year

Blair Chapman, speed skating

Corporate Contributor

Gastown SA国际影视传媒� owner Jamie Pye

Ruth Inch Memorial Contributor to Sport

Joan Hirons, NWT 55+ Games Association

Delma Kisoun Memorial Community Contributor

Thorsten Gohl

Team of the Year

Team Wainman, curling