A Maidstone teen is being celebrated as athlete of the year in the Rivers West District which includes Lloydminster.
Talance Kalmakoff attended the Canada Winter Games as the youngest representative in freestyle skiing for Saskatchewan. Apart from national accomplishments to date, Talance volunteers to help other youth at Table Mountain. She placed seventh overall at the Canada Cup at Panorama Mountain Resort, B.C. in January.
The recognition is included along with other volunteer recognition awards being handed out by Rivers West.
- Coach of the Year – Brad Lejeune is described as a staple of athletics in Saskatchewan, including basketball, volleyball, and track and field.
- Coach of the Year – Ryan Barnstable who coaches Hafford Central, the five-time provincial champs in 1A six-a-side football.
- Team of the Year – Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation Boys Falcons Volleyball Team placed second in provincials
- Recreation – Professional of the Year – Stan Krzak who is the president and head icemaker with the St. Walburg Curling Club. The rink is reputed to be the best ice in Saskatchewan
- Recreation – Organization – St. Walburg Kin Club
- Recreation – Facility – “The Beach”, Town of Kindersley
- Culture – Museum of the Year -Lashburn Centennial Museum
- Culture – Development and Promotion – Elaine Poirier from the Battlefords area has made costumes for hundreds of children in various performances over many years
- Culture – Artist of the Year – Clay DeBray of Flying Dust First Nation has made an Every Child Matters hockey stick with symbols to tell the healing stories of Residential School survivors
- Culture – Event -Western Development Museum in North Battleford for teh many events it hosts like Museum Days, Powwow and History in Motion
- Over-All Volunteer of the Year – Henrietta Parenteau wears many hats in her community including her involvement in the Biggar Rodeo
- Over-All Volunteer of the Year – Ollie Marciniuk is a longtime volunteer, particularly with the Hafford Central Champion Football team, and a mentor to many
Over the next few months, the recipients will receive their volunteer awards at local community events.