The Government of Yukon, Sport Yukon, Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle and Special Olympics Yukon celebrated many of the territory’s top athletes with an award ceremony on Feb. 12
The Sport Yukon Major Awards are presented annually to members of the territory’s athletic community for their contributions to Yukon sports in seven categories for Athletes, Team, Coach and Administrator of the Year. This year’s ceremony, celebrating many of the territory’s top athletes in 2023, took place on Feb. 12.
“For me, it is very humbling,” said Shereen Hill, Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle winner for Female Coach of the Year. “I actually don’t like to be the center of attention, but to be recognized for my career, which has spanned over 30 years, is very humbling and I appreciate the respect from everybody else and the credit for it. For me, the recognition was great.”
Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle president Gord Reed recognized both Hill and Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle winner for Male Coach of the Year, Ross King, in a statement.
“On behalf of the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle, we are proud to recognize and encourage these people for their leadership and the development of their sport and ongoing commitment that shows their dedication to helping young people to succeed,” Reed said. “These efforts don’t go unnoticed and require our heartfelt appreciation on behalf of our organization. Including the thank you that the athletes they coach express, given the opportunity. I would like to congratulate both Shereen and Ross on their achievements—most importantly, with the athletes that they coach and inspire for their overall success.”
The Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle award went to Hill and King for their commitment to the advancement of their athletes and programs, Hill in swimming and King in Arctic Sports. The pair helped the North American Indigenous Games teams and Arctic Winter Games sports teams.
Other distinctions include The Premier’s Award, which recognizes the achievements of Yukon athletes who competed internationally or nationally; and the Minister’s Award, presented to athletes and teams who excelled at the Arctic Winter Games, Canada 55+ Games, provincials, Western Canadians or national and international competitions. The former was presented to 23 athletes and four teams, and the latter was earned by 62 athletes and three teams. Additionally, Special Olympics Yukon presents awards for Athletes of the Year, Most Improved Athletes of the Year, Athlete and Sport Volunteer Rising Stars and the Heather Miller Sport Volunteer of the Year, each year.
While Hill is grateful to be recognized alongside her peers, she says it’s also important to recognize those who work behind the scenes and don’t get the same attention.
“There are a lot of people who work behind the scenes that didn’t get recognized,” she said. “I do appreciate all the volunteers from the Aboriginal Sports Circle who helped organize and facilitate everything [and] all the parent volunteers that jumped on board to be mission staff or support or chaperone in any way, because none of this can happen without them volunteering.”
This year’s awards ceremony marked the first time the celebration occurred in person since the 2018 awards. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the recipients were recognized virtually. To learn more about the Sport Yukon Major Awards and see the full list of recipients, visit sportyukon.com
