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Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT hands out annual awards

Another year, another group of outstanding people recognized for doing great things in the NWT.

Deanne Whenham is all smiles as she gives her acceptance speech at the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT Awards at the Explorer Hotel on Nov. 2. Whenham won the Sport Award for her exploits in golf and hockey.
James McCarthy/NNSL photo

The Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT celebrated a few of these high-achievers on Nov. 2 at its annual awards banquet. Six people walked out of the Explorer Hotel with honours, including a few from Yellowknife.

Deanne Whenham won the Sport Award thanks to her wonderful year on the ice, in hockey, and on the links, for golf. Golf is where she tasted most success this season, winning the Yellowknife Golf Club Championship women's title and the U17 girls' gold medal at the July 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Toronto.

Whenham smiled all through her acceptance speech, which included thanking those involved in getting her where she is today.

The Teachers Award, which is given to a teacher who goes above and beyond, went to Eugene Roach of St. Joe's. Roach has been involved with scholastic sports for many years and was also a coach for the archery team at NAIG back in July.

Roach was quick to give plenty of credit to his wife, Cynthia, during his acceptance speech, who he said was a huge part of why he was up on stage.

SA国际影视传媒淎bout 95 per cent of all the pictures you see of me coaching, she's usually just out of the frame on the side,SA国际影视传媒 he said. SA国际影视传媒淚 take care of the strategies, she takes care of the tears.SA国际影视传媒

Roach said he keeps coaching, because of the students.

SA国际影视传媒淚've taught so many kids over the past 15 years here in Yellowknife and it's been a privilege to do so,SA国际影视传媒 he said. SA国际影视传媒淚t's become a thing where I'm a local celebrity when I'm out shopping with my wife, and kids shout 'Hey, Mr. Roach!'. It's really cool.SA国际影视传媒

Cpl. Scott Sieffert of the Yellowknife was awarded the Commanding Officers Award for his work with the force's Aboriginal Policing Service as well as volunteering as a coach with the Aurora Minor Soccer League in the 7-8 division.

Sieffert said being nominated by Cst. Matt Peggs was a complete surprise.

He said being part of the Aboriginal Policing Service has given him a chance to travel to several communities around the NWT.

SA国际影视传媒淚 was blown away with the support I received when I went to the communities,SA国际影视传媒 he said. SA国际影视传媒淭here are so many wonderful, wonderful volunteers and so many wonderful athletes that are out there. I'm happy that I got to play a small role.SA国际影视传媒

Other winners on the night included Brandon Thompson of Fort Smith, who took out the Coach Award; Dollie Simon of Fort Resolution, winner of the Culture Award; and Bess Ann McKay, also from Fort Resolution, who received the Community Builder Award.



About the Author: James McCarthy

I'm the managing editor with SA国际影视传媒 and have been so since 2022.
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