MVP WINNER
Katrina Pitawanakwat, Wrestler and Lacrosse

I am a 15 year old girl who loves all kinds of sports. I am from Canada's only Unceeded Indian Reserve of Wikwemikong, Ontario.

My dream is to make the Canadian Olympic Team. Goals I have reached towards this dream are 5 National Championships in the sports of Javelin, Discus and Wrestling.

Coming from a community with many challenging obstacles, I have managed to keep a positive mental outlook with the gentle but never ending encouragement of my parents. I seldom have nothing to do with all my travelling, training and competitions year round, I am an example and role model of health and fitness, commitment determination and perseverance.

Many of my childhood friends lost interest in physical activity but I have not stopped and I continue to encourage younger athletes by sharing personal learning experiences especially in the sport of Wrestling so that they are inspired to continue.

All my hard work has recently been recognized by my community when I was honoured with a Community Youth Award. In 2001 I was the Ontario recipient of the Prestigious Tom Longboat award and continue to be the Youth Torch Bearer for the Manitoulin Island Royal Canadian Legion's.

My favourite quote would be "Try your best, because your best is all you can do".

Currently I am training mostly independently in my home community to make the top 25 squad cut of the Canadian Women's Lacrosse Team to attend the World Championships in Maryland USA June 2003.

In the fall I am relocating to Southern Ontario to be closer to Olympic Wresting coaches and facilities to be able to work towards World Junior Championships in the sport. And still plan to continue Lacrosse training with near by team mates. I will be spending at least 15 hours per week training for both events with specialized training camps monthly .

My vision is to help other young people to remain healthy and active mentally and spiritually.

I will use this award for my Wrestling Registration with Guelph University as well as Team Canada Lacrosse final 25 registration fee's.

KChi Miigwetch (a big thank you) Nike Grant a month MVP Award!!!

Katrina Pitawanakwat.

Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity contact us