March 19, 2006

Finalists for the Canadian Sport Awards Announced

The winners will be announced Friday, March 31st at an awards ceremony at Yonge Dundas Square in downtown Toronto. For the first time ever, the awards will be open to the general public.

"The True Sport Foundation congratulates all of the finalists that have been recognized today for their commitment, drive, determination and passion that make us proud to be Canadian," said Victor Lachance, Chair of the Board, True Sport Foundation. "We invite all Torontonians and visitors to the city to join us at the Canadian Sport Awards on March 31st to help us recognize and support Canada's outstanding amateur athletes."

The awards will be hosted by Sylvie Bigras (former CEO of Volleyball Canada and Canadian Olympic Chef de Mission) on the Yonge Dundas Square stage from 5 pm to 6 pm. Following the awards ceremony, the doors to the Olympic Spirit Toronto attraction (located at the east side of the square) will be thrown open to the public free of charge from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Marnie McBean, Olympic and World Champion rower, past CSA winner and current Director, Athlete and Corporate Programs for Olympic Spirit Toronto, said, "I welcome the city of Toronto to show up in full force to honour and support this year's CSA winners. On behalf of Olympic Spirit Toronto, I welcome everyone to our open house to experience the thrill of sport through our fun and interactive sports simulators and to be swept up in the spirit of Canadian sport."

"The high levels of determination, skill and achievement demonstrated by this year's finalists serve as a source of inspiration for all Canadians," said Richard Irish, vice-president of Community Affairs & Area Marketing, Investors Group. "We are proud to play a part in honouring these outstanding contributions to Canadian sport."

The five award categories are: Athletic Performance, Leadership in Sport, Corporate Excellence, Investors Group Spirit of Sport Story of the Year and Bell True Sport Community Award. Independent juries selected the Athletic Performance, Leadership and Corporate Award finalists from nominations from sports associations and individuals across Canada.

CSA 2005 Finalists

Athletic Performance Awards The finalists in the Athletic Performance category for the 33rd Annual Canadian Sport Awards, recognizing and celebrating outstanding athletic performance in 2005 are:

Male Athlete of the Year Alexandre Despatie, Diving Brandon O'Neill, Gymnastics Adam van Koeverden, Kayaking

Female Athlete of the Year Karen Furneaux, Kayaking Cindy Klassen, Speed Skating Brittany Reimer, Swimming Junior Male Athlete of the Year Patrick Chan, Figure Skating Jason McClintock, Waterski Denny Morrison, Speed Skating

Junior Female Athlete of the Year Whitney McClintock, Waterski Kalyna Roberge, Speed Skating Male Team of the Year World Men's Curling Championship Team Men's National Standing Volleyball Team Men's World Championship Hockey Team

Female Team of the Year National Women's Water Polo Team National A Team – Synchro Canada Women's World Championship Hockey Team Partners of the Year Pierre Lueders/ Lascelle Brown, Bobsleigh Men's 4x200 Relay Team, Swimming Men's Short Track Relay Team, Speed Skating

Leadership Awards The finalists in the Leadership Awards category for the 33rd Annual Canadian Sport Awards, recognizing and celebrating an individual's outstanding contribution to the betterment of sport in 2005 are:

Athlete Leadership Award Lori Johnstone, Athletes CAN Dan Thompson, President of Swimming Canada

Volunteer Achievement Award Slava Corn, Vice President, Int. Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Executive Committee Hardy Fink, International Gymnastics Federation Dr. Donald McKenzie, Chair of the ICF (Int. Canoe Federation) Medical Committee Leadership in Sport Award Mark Lowry, Canadian Olympic Committee (Posthumous) Speed Skating Canada Chris Wilson, Esteem Team Association Coach of the Year Award Jan Bidrman, National Sports Centre Calgary Michel Larouche, Diving Canada Patrick Oaten, Water Polo Canada

Corporate Excellence Awards This year's finalists for the Corporate Excellence Awards for the 33rd Annual Canadian Sport Awards, recognizing and celebrating corporations who provided outstanding support to Canadian sport in 2005, are:

National Team Support Award Canada Post Haywood Securities Mazda Canada

Individual Athlete Support VISA National Initiative Support EPCOR Honda Canada Speedo Canada

Investors Group Spirit of Sport Story of the Year The finalists for the Spirit of Sport Story of the Year Award, created to recognize and celebrate a Canadian hero who, in the pursuit of sporting excellence, has demonstrated values such as dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for others and a true love of sport in 2005, are:

Men's National Standing Volleyball Team Nick Snow, Toronto Varsity Blues Right To Play (Groves/Hughes/Dankers)

The CSA brings together more than 700 leaders from the sporting and corporate communities who represent the pinnacle of commitment and competition: Canadian amateur athletes, coaches, sport leaders and volunteers. The annual event promotes sporting excellence across Canada, and reminds Canadians how sport lifts the human spirit. It is a tribute to the hard work, the dedication and the victories of our country's finest athletes.

About the True Sport Foundation The True Sport Foundation is a charitable organization committed to ensuring that sport makes a positive contribution to Canadian society, our athletes, and the physical and moral development of Canada's youth. Powered by the Foundation, the Canadian Sport Awards boasts a strong relationship with its modern day founding partners, which include Athletes CAN, the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada, the Canada Games and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. For more information and online ticket sales visit