On 26 April 2024, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden came alive with celebration at the 14th Annual Sports Awards Ceremony, honoring standout athletes, dedicated coaches and committed teams from the 2023/2024 sports season with a lunch buffet at the Waterloo Officers Mess.
The ceremony saw the attendance of prominent figures such as Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Michaud who represented the Commander of CFB Borden and the Military Personnel Generation Training Group (MPGTG), alongside RSM Chief Warrant Officer Dan Thomas from Personnel Support Services (PSS). Unit Commanding Officers and Chiefs from various departments also graced the occasion, demonstrating their support for the base’s sports programs.
The awards presentation kicked off after lunch with the awards presentation, celebrating impressive participation with 533 military personnel, retired military members, DND staff, NPF staff and spouses involved in the sports program.
The sports program boasted 56 teams across summer and winter sports, underlining the base’s vibrant sporting culture.
Award Highlights
- Summer Team Sports:
- Slo-Pitch: The 400 THS team clinched the NPP Slo-Pitch Championship, showcasing skill and teamwork.
- Beach Volleyball: CFLTC emerged as the NPP Beach Volleyball Champions.
- Golf: CFSATE took home the NPP Golf Championship trophy.
- Winter Team Sports:
- Hockey (B Division): CFSATE won the NPP Hockey B Division Champions title.
- Hockey (A Division) & Volleyball: PSP/PSS demonstrated their prowess by winning both the NPP Hockey A Division and Volleyball Championships.
- Special Awards:
- Unit of the Year: PSP/PSS was honored with the CPO2 Mike Jacob Memorial NPP Unit of the Year Award for their consistent performance and participation.
- Sportsmanship Award: CFLTC was awarded the CP02 Mike Jacobs Sportsmanship Award, recognized for their fair play and high team morale.
- Individual Accolades:
- Volunteer of the Year: Commander Peter Antonew was celebrated for his passionate involvement in curling, particularly noted for his efforts in representing CFB Borden at the Ontario Regional Curling Championship.
- Coach of the Year: Alexandra Vandal was recognized for her inspirational role in growing the swim program, with her athletes achieving personal bests at the CAF National Championships.
- Female Athlete of the Year: Major Sher Scott was highlighted for her achievements across softball, running, and swimming, including qualifying for the CAF National Championships in multiple swimming events and excelling in long-distance running.
- Male Athlete of the Year: Master Corporal Stefan Bielecki was lauded for his success in golf, qualifying for the CAF Golf Nationals and being selected for the CISM World Military Golf Championship.
As the ceremony drew to a close, attendees were reminded of the upcoming summer sports registration, encouraging continued participation and camaraderie. The event not only celebrated athletic achievements but also reinforced the community’s support for the Canadian Armed Forces and the National Physical Fitness Program.
The CFB Borden Sports Awards Ceremony was more than just a celebration of sports; it was a showcase of the strength, spirit and dedication that define the Canadian Forces community.
Click here to register for upcoming summer sports on CFB Borden.
By: Caleb Hooper
