True Sport Foundation Announces Call for Nominations

Ottawa, ON - The True Sport Foundation (formerly known as the Spirit of Sport Foundation) today announced its call for nominations for the 32nd annual Canadian Sport Awards (CSA).  The nomination period begins today and closes on January 14, 2005 and will recognize excellence in sport in 2004.  The nomination form is available at www.canadiansportawards.ca.

"This is an exciting time for Canadian sport and I would like to encourage all sport organizations, media and the general public to nominate their sport heroes for this year's Canadian Sport Awards," said Paul Melia, Chair, True Sport Foundation.

Finalists for each CSA award will be announced in February 2005.  Winners will be announced at the official gala awards ceremony later in the Spring 2005.

Established in 1972, the Canadian Sport Awards are the premier recognition event for sporting excellence. This annual event brings together more than 700 leaders from the sporting and corporate communities.

Last year's winners recognized for their achievements in 2004 include:

• Male Athlete of the Year: David Ford, Whitewater Slalom Kayaking
• Female Athlete of the Year: Perdita Felicien, Track and Field - Hurdles
• Junior Male Athlete of the Year: Alexandre Despatie, Diving
• Junior Female Athlete of the Year: Shannon Rempel, Speed Skating - Long Track
• Partners of the Year: Men's Rowing Eight
• Male Team of the Year: World Championship Hockey Team
• Female Team of the Year: World Cup Soccer Team
• Athlete Leadership Award: Carla Qualtrough, Paralympic Swimmer / Athletes CAN
• Leadership in Sport Award: John Furlong, Canadian Olympic Committee
• Volunteer Achievement Award: Dr. Ross Outerbridge, Water Ski Canada
• Coach of the Year: Mike Spracklen, Rowing
• Spirit of Sport Story of the Year: Beckie Scott, Cross Country Skiing
• True Sport Community Recognition Program: Huntsville, Ontario, Kitchener, Ontario, Province of Québec and the 21 local action committees supported by the project Québec En Forme

32nd Annual Canadian Sport Awards categories:

Athletic Performance Awards:  These awards recognize and celebrate outstanding athletic performance in 2004.

• Male Athlete of the Year (The Norton H. Crow Award)
• Female Athlete of the Year (The Velma Springstead Award)
• Junior Male Athlete of the Year (The Viscount Alexander Award)
• Junior Female Athlete of the Year (The Elaine Tanner Award)
• Male Team of the Year (The Dick Ellis Trophy)
• Female Team of the Year (Edmonton Grads Trophy)
• Partners of the Year (The Wilson and McCall Trophy)

Leadership Awards:  These awards recognize and celebrate an individual's outstanding contribution to the betterment of sport.

• Athlete Leadership Award (The Bruce Kidd Award)
• Volunteer Achievement Award (The Bryce Taylor Award)
• Leadership in Sport Award
• Coach of the Year Award

Corporate Excellence Awards:  These awards recognize and celebrate corporations who provide outstanding support to Canadian sport.

• National Team Support
• Individual Athlete Support
• National Initiative Support

The Bell True Sport Community Award: These awards recognize the importance of fair and ethical sport, inclusion, accessibility and a positive sport experience at the community level. Bell True Sport communities will be honoured for their best practices, commitment and accomplishments in furthering their community based sports and recreation programs.

The Spirit of Sport Story of the Year:  This award category recognizes and celebrates a Canadian hero who, in the pursuit of sporting excellence, has demonstrated values such as fairness, inclusion, perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for others, and a true love of sport.

Nomination Eligibility
Any Canadian citizen can nominate an individual, team or corporation for the Canadian Sport Awards.  Individuals and corporations can also self-nominate.  Eligible entries are for performances or contributions from January 1, 2004 through to December 31, 2004.

Submissions must be received at the True Sport Foundation no later than 5:00 p.m. E.S.T., Friday, January 14, 2005.  Late submissions will not be accepted. Completed ORIGINAL submissions should be sent to:

True Sport Foundation
C/o CSA Selection Advisory Committee
2197 Riverside Drive, Suite 300
Ottawa, ON K1H 7X3

About the True Sport Foundation
The True Sport Foundation is a charitable organization committed to ensuring that values-driven sport makes a positive contribution to Canadian society, athletes and the physical and moral development of Canada's youth.  Managed 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 complete nomination rules and guidelines, and more information about the Canadian Sport Awards, please visit www.canadiansportawards.ca.

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For more information, please contact: