Nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 Tim Hortons North Okanagan Athlete, Team, and Leadership of the Year awards.
The Athlete of the Year trophy has been handed out since 1994, then under the auspices of Funtastic, and has tracked the progress of top athletes and teams for more than two decades.
The first recipient was NHL star Brent Gilchrist of the Dallas Stars. A year later, the trophy was awarded to rhythmic gymnast star Camille Martens, a provincial and national champion who made it all the way to the Olympic Games.
Last year, snowboard cross national champion Kevin Hill took home the award.
By 1996, the Team of the Year trophy was introduced and handed to the Vernon Vipers who had won the Royal Bank Cup, the Mowat Cup and the Doyle Cup.
Last year, the Watkin Motors Mustangs won the trophy after becoming the tier two Pee Wee provincial champions.
This year’s nominees from the public must be an athlete or team that has represented the North Okanagan in pro or amateur sports from June 2016 to present.
And leaders are also honoured. The Leadership in Sports award is the youngest trophy and is for community leaders in sports such as coaches or organizers.
Last year’s winner was Ann Holmes who has spent 25 years in Vernon promoting and organizing sports including; softball, fastball, volleyball, curling and lacrosse, as well as raising funds for KidSport.
Nominations can be submitted to Jack Gilroy of the selection committee, by calling 250-542-6477 or email jegilroy@shaw.ca.
The closing date for nominations is May 19.
The awards, chosen by a panel of media and community reps, will be handed out May 31.