>> OSSC Awards Athletes at Annual Banquet

Always a much-anticipated event, the Olympium Synchronized Swimming Club held its annual end-of-season awards banquet on Sunday June 10, honouring club swimmers, coaches and volunteers for their hard work during the 2006/07 season.

Family, friends, athletes and coaches gathered at the Valhalla Inn to start the celebrations with a relaxing brunch that included a delicious selection of breakfast items and a wonderful assortment of accompaniments including a decadent chocolate truffle cake made especially to commemorate OSSC's 2006-07 season.

During the meal, guests were entertained by a fun-filled ‘Year in Review' slide show that added some carefully selected music and a touch of good humor to some of the more memorable images that were captured throughout the season.

Club President Cynthia Caskey and Head Coach Kerri Morgan co-hosted the official ceremony which was dedicated to the recognition of the achievements of OSSC athletes and coaches and to thank the many volunteers whose contributions helped make the season so successful. Highlights included presentations of the following major awards:

The Team Player Award - presented to the athlete from each team who best demonstrated good sportsmanship and who embodied all of the desirable characteristics of a good teammate/friend both in and out of the water. Awards were presented to Jenn Knobbs (Tier 7), Xenia Reinfels (Black), Rebecca Maule (Gold), Sarah D'Onofrio (White) and Kathaleen Caprenter (Red).

The 110% Effort Award - presented to the athlete from each team who best exemplified determination, consistency of purpose and a superior work ethic. Awards were presented to Annette Petersen (Tier 7), Sam Hainer ((Black), Laura Tutton (Gold), Breanne Messere (White) and Haley Miller (Red).

The Most Improved Award – presented to the athlete from each team who, because of their hard word and dedication to succeed, has demonstrated a significant improvement during the season. Awards were presented to Julia Kiss (Tier 7), Carlin Jessop (Black), Stephanie Uhrig (Gold), Bronwyn Ferguson (White) and Bronte Murcar-Evans (Red).

The Amy Caskey Award – established in 2004, this prestigious award is presented to the club athlete who best exemplifies the standards of quality set by Amy: outstanding leadership and achievement, motivational qualities, and contribution to team. Rachel Kowalski (Gold) was the recipient of this highest honour for the 2006/07 season and is the first Tier 6 athlete to ever receive this mark of distinction.

Volunteer of the Year Award – OSSC recognizes volunteers for their enthusiasm and dedication throughout the year. In addition, each year they bestow the prestigious title of Volunteer of the Year to the individual who has shown exceptional dedication and commitment in their efforts to make OSSC the best that it can be. This year there were 2 equally deserving recipients of this award – Jeannette Mintz and Lillian Reinfels.

For a complete list of the many other awards presented during the banquet, Click Here .

OSSC would like to thank once again all of the athletes, coaches and volunteers for their outstanding contributions to both the club and the sport of synchronized swimming this past season. Special thanks as well to Andrea Robarts and Anne Marie Gelinas for all their efforts in making this year's Annual Awards Banquet such a tremendous success.