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Nike Youth Achievement
Award
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Kristin Konieczny
Nike Canada Ltd.
and the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and
Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) are pleased to announce that
Kristin Konieczny of Etobicoke, ON is
this year's recipient of their 2003 NikeYouth Achievement Award.
The award is presented annually to an outstanding girl, 18 years
or younger, who has taken an active role in encouraging girls
and women to participate in sport and physical activity.
Seventeen year-old Kristin combines strong academic
achievement with community and extra-curricular involvement, while
playing the sport of rugby at the highest levels. Named captain
of her high school rugby team while still in Grade 10, Kristin
began playing with Mentor College's varsity 15's and 7's teams
in 1999. By 2000, she was selected to the Ontario Under-19 Girls'
Rugby Team and was named the Ontario Under-17's captain in 2002.
She has since been selected as the captain of the Ontario Under-19
Girls' Rugby Team and to the Canadian Under-19 Girls' Rugby Team.
"What sets her apart from other players with
similar experiences is her ability to effectively share her experiences
with her less competitive high school teammates. Kristin is modest
and insightful. She has a genuine way of making other people feel
good about themselves. She is respected and admired by all of
her peers," said Meagan Haney, Kristin's rugby coach and
nominator for the award.
Kristin's academic achievements have earned her
seven awards in the past two years, and she continues to make
tremendous contributions to extra-curricular activities and community
organizations. She has been volunteering with elderly wheelchair
patients at the Trillium Health Care Centre in Etobicoke since
1998. In 2002, she became a Junior Girl Guides Leader for girls
in grades four to six. She volunteers her time to this club weekly
and is currently planning on an "Olympic Day" for the
girls with a variety of games aimed at instilling Olympic values
in young girls. Her extra-curricular involvements at school include
the Student's Council, the Outreach Club and the Teen Network
Candlelighters Gala. She continues to work with the Teen Network
- Bounce Charity Council to help bring teen cancer survivors together.
"There were an outstanding group of young women
nominated from across the country for this year's award. We are
thrilled to be able to recognize Kristin's passion and commitment
to life, sport and healthy living with this award," says
Caroline Whaley, Director of Marketing, Nike Canada.
Kristin was delighted to be chosen as this year's
recipient, and was pleased the award recognized her work with
children. "Teaching the importance of team sport and physical
activity at a young age is key to the development of children.
It gives kids a chance to express themselves, and nourishes a
well-balanced lifestyle. I love the opportunities I have to show
them what sports can bring to their lives."
Kristin's prize is a trip for two to the 30th Annual
Canadian Sport Awards in Toronto and a $500 Nike package. A donation
of Nike equipment valued at $500 will also be made to a sporting
group in the Etobicoke area on behalf of Kristin.
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