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Sport Aurora honours high school athletes on their doorsteps

July 23, 2020   ·   0 Comments

As the old slogan goes, it’s time to “have a break.” And why not? There’s a lot to celebrate.

Frontline healthcare workers are continuing their efforts in tackling COVID-19, helping the province net positive results on the number of new cases – and there are other moments to celebrate across Aurora.

Here, the Town and Sport Aurora spent last week in a celebratory mood as members of staff presented Certificates of Excellence to the top high school athletes of this past year.

President of Sport Aurora Ron Weese, Chair of the Sport Celebration and Recognition Committee, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Member Alan Dean, and member of the Sport Celebration and Recognition Committee Kristen Dajia personally delivered the awards to the athletes on their doorsteps.

Traditionally, this celebration is normally held at Town Hall.

“Even during this challenging year, Sport Aurora wanted to acknowledge the spirit of excellence driven by our community school athletes. They deserve some good news and Sport Aurora wanted to continue this tradition of celebration,” said Sport Aurora Executive Director Laurier Mueller.

As a requirement to be selected, students are chosen by their schools in the Public and Catholic boards in the town. Athletes are presented a Certificate of Excellence in response to the athletes’ contributions in multiple sports and within the school community.

Twelve athletes were selected across four schools in Aurora.

From Cardinal Carter Catholic High School, Jidechukwu Otoh, Tobechukwu Otoh, Julia Micic and Katie Kimmens took home their awards.

From Aurora High School, Jack Sutherland, Hailey Appleby and Sidney Gardiner were honoured for their accomplishments in the school.

Sutherland, took part in volleyball, basketball, co-ed tennis, alpine skiing and was supposed to play lacrosse.

“It definitely means a lot to be recognized as the senior athlete of the year, especially knowing we have other great athletes at our school. It was definitely a goal of mine to try and receive the award this year,” said Sutherland.

He received an email from his Physical Education teacher Mr. Forster and was also mentioned in a video on the school’s Instagram account amongst other athletes.

“I feel like my parents played a big role in me getting this award, they allowed me to compete on all the teams and help manage getting me to tournaments and then to other practices after that. I’d also like to thank all the coaches such as Mr. Forster, Mr. Bladon and Mr. Kirkimtzis. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible to participate in all the sports I love to play.”

Out of St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic High School, Sean Marseille, Matthew Turco and Julia Cuccia brought home the grand prizes.

And finally, out of Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School, Ibrahim Rahal and Nicole Rubenstein celebrated their accomplishments.

Rubenstein, took part in Field Hockey and Volleyball. She was supposed to begin Badminton and Flag Football around the time when all schools closed.

Unaware of this award and the magnitude of winning this award in the community, Rubenstein says her field hockey coach Mrs. Palm presented her the award.

“I have so much appreciation for the coaches for running these teams taking the time out of their day. They really made my high school experience. So, the fact that I’m winning this award, it brings out that appreciation that I have for them so much more and it allowed me to be social and be active and I was able to go to other schools and be social. All of that put together makes me really happy to win this award.”

Sport Aurora congratulates all 12 athletes selected and honoured for this award for their dedication and commitment in the high school game.

Sport Aurora will announce the athletes selected from the elementary school level in the fall.

Fittingly, following days of handing out Certificates of Excellence, Sport Aurora’s All Kids Can Play Program was presented with a certificate from MPP Christine Elliot.

This award is for the All Kids Can Play program’s dedication to helping the community and most notably for providing meals to families across the Town sponsored by realtors Angie Vallelunga and Mauro Bucci.

By Robert Belardi



         

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