Submitted by:
Shirley Todosichuk |
The Swan Valley Tiger Fire Floor Hockey Team received the Special Olympics Manitoba 2015 Team of the Year Award at the Special Olympics Festival and Recognition Dinner on Saturday, September 19th 2015 at the Delta Winnipeg.
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The team roster includes Andrew Brass, Joseph Cook, Angie Ferland, Carter Formo, Jarret Gingras, Allan Ross, Brennan Sauder, John Schabert, Jeremy Stephen, Kipp Terry, Rickey Zimmer, Allison Landel, Ron Legall, Kendall Leslie and Kolton Leslie.

The team has shown great growth, determination and improvement since starting in 2010. The team works well together and the athletes are enthusiastic, supportive and are great ambassadors for the Parkland Region. Coaches June Mosiondz, Gail Bruce and Doreen Miles are proud of how hard the athletes have worked and feel they are all very deserving of the prestigious award.

Accepting the award on the team’s behalf were athletes John Schabert and Kip Terry and Coaches Dorren Miles and June Mosiondz. Special Olympics Manitoba Board of Directors Chair, Larry Chornoboy, presented the plaque to the excited group.

The awards night also celebrated the outstanding achievements of individual athletes, coaches, officials, sponsors and volunteers from around the province. Everyone enjoyed the delectable meal and were inspired by world renowned guest speaker, Olympic Gold Medalist, Jill Officer.

Parkland Region Cobra’s Bowling Coaches Cecil Ames and Doreen Miles received the 5-Year Pin for their dedication and commitment with Special Olympics Manitoba. Doreen was also nominated for Female Coach of the Year. Doreen is very much respected as a coach who is honourable, compassionate and inspires her athletes to reach beyond their expectations.

Tina Boryskavich has also been coaching 5-Pin Bowling in the Russell area for the past 25 years.

Tina, (second from left) was honoured for her 25 years of time, energy, commitment and enthusiasm with a 25-Year Pin and beautiful silver Special Olympics Medallion.

John Schabert and Lorna Chartrand were nominated for Male and Female Athlete of the Year.

John is known for his positive nature, kindness, concern for teammates and encouragement and support. He is competitive, focused and balances his commitment to physical fitness with 3 part-time jobs. He is a wonderful representative for the Parkland Region. Lorna joined the Parkland Council as the athlete representative and is the athlete spokeswoman. Lorna is responsible, friendly, encourages and supports the other athletes and always tries her best. She also volunteers her time to fundraise and help at Special O events.

Shirley Todosichuk received the Builder of the Year Award.

Shirley began volunteering with Special Olympics Manitoba in 2012 with the Parkland Regional Leadership Team as the fundraising and PR chair. She researches available grant monies and donors, coordinates fundraisers to support uniforms, equipment, tournament hosting and travel and mobilizes the community to support the athletes and programs in Swan River.

All of the athletes, coaches and executive of Special O Parkland Region are excited to have been recognized in many categories at the Special Olympics Festival and are looking forward to the start of the 2015-2016 season.