Support4Sport Award Winner Announced

The Support4Sport Awards is the largest sport recognition event in Nova Scotia. This year’s event was held on June 1st, at the Halifax Convention Centre. Sport Nova Scotia hosted the event, with approximately 200 athletes, coaches, officials, sponsors, volunteers, and community sport associations in attendance.
 
Volleyball Nova Scotia is thrilled to congratulate the following winners: 

Volunteer of the Year ~ Jennifer Boutilier
 
Jennifer Boutilier epitomizes the spirit of volunteerism as a dedicated volleyball coach and leader in Glace Bay. In a touching tribute to the late Leigh-Anne Cox, Jennifer organized a weekend volleyball tournament in October 2023, raising funds through modest admission fees and donations of crayons and coloring books for pediatric units. These efforts not only honoured Leigh-Anne's memory but also supported charitable causes dear to her heart. With plans to expand this memorial tournament into an annual event at Cape Breton University, Jennifer's compassionate commitment to giving back shines through, fostering a sense of community and generosity within the volleyball scene in Cape Breton. Undoubtedly, Jennifer Boutilier is a deserving candidate for Volunteer of the Year, her selflessness and dedication leaving an indelible mark on those around her.
 
Coach of the Year ~ Brenda Wagner
 
Brenda's coaching has revitalized boys' volleyball in Caledonia. She has coached both the Junior and Senior teams at North Queens Community School with the Senior team winning the Division 2 Senior Boys Provincial Championship this past season. She also coached the Chill 18U and 16U boys teams, showcasing her mentoring skills beyond her local community. Brenda's coaching philosophy centers on nurturing players' development with passion and leadership, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Her influence extends beyond the court, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Brenda Wagner's exceptional contributions to volleyball and her ability to inspire and mentor young athletes make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award, exemplifying coaching excellence.
 
Referee of the Year ~ Alain Asafor
 
With a dynamic presence across various levels of competition, including High School, Club Volleyball, Canadian College, and Atlantic University Volleyball, Asafor's expertise has left an indelible mark on the sporting landscape. As a vital member of the Volleyball Nova Scotia’s Referee Development Team and Referee Management Team, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of officiating. His prowess on the court was showcased at esteemed events such as the 2023 Canada Cup, ACAA and AUS Championships, and the Atlantic Military Championships, where his keen judgment and impartiality were lauded. Holding the esteemed rank of Level 4/National Referee Candidate for Nova Scotia, Alain Asafor epitomizes the essence of excellence, setting a standard of professionalism and integrity for aspiring referees to emulate.
 
Female Athlete of the Year ~ Carmen Waye
 
Carmen Waye has emerged as a standout talent, boasting an impressive array of accomplishments that have propelled her to the forefront of the sport. Among her most notable achievements is her selection to the Junior National Team, a milestone that underscores her extraordinary skill and unwavering dedication. Her on-court prowess has been consistently demonstrated through stellar performances at national competitions, where she secured gold with the Youth National Team at the 2023 Canada Cup and achieved a commendable 5th place finish at the 17U National Championships with Fury Volleyball Club. Carmen's dominance extends to the provincial level, where she clinched gold with the 17U Fury, further cementing her reputation as a formidable presence in Canadian volleyball. Furthermore, Carmen's training reached new heights with her selection to Volleyball Canada’s National Excellence Program in Richmond, BC, where she underwent four months of intensive full-time training alongside the top 18 female volleyball players in grades 11 and 12 nationwide. This experience included rigorous competition against university and college programs, showcasing Carmen's steadfast commitment to achieving the highest level of success in her sport.
 
Male Athlete of the Year ~ Bannon Rourke
 
Bannon Rourke's excellence on the volleyball court was underscored by his outstanding performance at the 2023 Canada Cup in Ontario, where he earned a Tournament All-Star distinction. Additionally, Rourke secured a silver medal for the Tigers Volleyball Club at the 2023 Nova Scotia Championships, further solidifying his reputation for consistency and skill. Notably, his leadership came to the forefront as he guided the Bay View Sharks to their first ever Provincial Championship victory last fall, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in his high school team's triumph With his fair play attitude, exceptional skill set, athleticism, and talent, Bannon Rourke unequivocally merits the Junior Male Athlete of the Year award for Volleyball.
 
Team of the Year ~ Fury 17U
 
In 2023, the formidable Fury 17U girls team dominated the competition with their unparalleled skill and determination. Securing the top seed among all 17U and 18U teams in Nova Scotia, they showcased their prowess at the fiercely competitive Provincial Championships, clinching a gold medal. Their exceptional performance didn't stop there; at the National championships, they outshone over 150 competitors, securing a remarkable top 5 finish. Remarkably, their only three losses in the 17U age category came from teams that eventually played in the finals at Nationals, highlighting the caliber of their competition. With their unmatched talent and unwavering teamwork, the Fury 17U team of 2023 cemented their legacy as an extraordinary force in Canadian Club Volleyball.
 
Once again, congratulations to our outstanding Support4Sport Award winners!
 
To learn more about the Support4Sport Awards, click HERE.