Canadian military recognizes excellence in sport: The 36th annual CAF Sports Awards Ceremony

December 9, 2024 - Defence Stories

The Canadian Armed Forces Sports Awards Ceremony was held on November 27, 2024, at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, ON. The night brought together the military community’s top athletes, coaches, and officials in a celebration of exceptional achievement and recognition. Both serving and retired members were honoured for their outstanding athletic performances, as well as their significant contributions to the advancement of sport within the CAF.

Among those recognized were:

• Sergeant Valery Switzer who took home Female Athlete of the Year;
• Master Corporal Jordan Stewart as Male Athlete of the Year;
• Warrant Officer Derek Brown as Coach of the Year;
• Chief Warrant Officer Donald Farr as Official of the Year; and
• The 8 Wing Trenton Flyer’s Women’s Hockey Team as Team of the Year.

This year’s Outstanding Contribution Award is awarded to Master Sailor Fraser MacQueen and Joanna Jarrett. The award recognizes civilians who have gone above and beyond to provide time, effort and support to Canadian Armed Forces sports.

Also recognized, were those named to the Canadian Armed Forces Sports Honour Roll for achievement in their respective sports:

• Master Corporal (Ret’d) Shane Wannamaker (Hockey);
• Major (Ret’d) Jason Burt (Multi-Sport);
• Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Line Laurendeau (Hockey);
• Master Warrant Officer Jeff Bartlett (Multi-Sport); and
• Master Corporal Scott Makischuk (Soccer).

“The personal growth and sense of accomplishment and self confidence that comes from participation in sports translates directly into improvements in the CAF as an institution, as a fighting force,” said General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff. “With all effort you put into your sport, the discipline you demonstrate, the passion you display and the excellence you pursue, you are an inspiration to all of us.”

For a full list of those honoured please visit CAF Sports Awards (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website). Images from the ceremony can be viewed at Facebook (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).

Participation in CAF Sports helps to achieve operational readiness by developing attributes consistent with CAF requirements. As members of an armed force where readiness is paramount to operational success, physical fitness is a component of the military lifestyle that should never be overlooked. Not only does it contribute to the prevention and treatment of injury, but physical fitness also plays a major role in overall health and wellbeing. It is for that reason that sport is such an integral part of the military.

Personnel Support Programs, a division of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, develops and delivers leading edge occupational fitness, sports and wellness programs and services to the Canadian Armed Forces.