Jason Emiry
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, July 16, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Yellowknifers collected four awards from the NWT Recreation and Parks Association in recognition of their dedication and commitment to volunteer and recreation programs that improve the quality of life in their communities.

Craig Scott, Bruce Look, Robert Tumchewics and Kathleen Sulivan were recognized for their efforts.

"This year's award winners were all highly recommended by members of their communities," said Geoff Ray, executive director of NWT Recreation and Parks Association.

Greg Elias of Sachs Harbor and Janie Hobart of Fort Smith took home awards for work in their towns.

The Scott McAdam Youth Leadership Award was shared by Elias and Sulivan, a Yellowknife resident.

The leadership award is given to youth aged 15 to 24 for their outstanding effort and contribution towards improving the quality of life of residents in their community through volunteerism, work experience and studies.

Sulivan is an assistant coach of Arctic Lifesavers Junior Lifeguard Club, and a longtime volunteer for Red Cross Society, the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool and the Lifesaving Society.

She is a multiple award winner of the Great Canadian Geography Challenge, was the NWT winner of the Scholastic Achievement Award and the Historica Fair. Sulivan also authored a school column for the Yellowknifer.

"I feel great. It is such an honor to win this award," said Sulivan.

Craig Scott of Yellowknife was given the Active Living Award, which recognizes a community, organization, or individual in the NWT that has demonstrated a commitment to active living or health promotion in their community. A board member of Ecology North and member of the Yellowknife Community Garden, Craig clinched the award for having created the Houseboat Bay Community Rink. He maintains the rink and organizes hockey tournaments and activities open to all.

"I appreciated being nominated by my friends and peers," said Scott.

Bruce Look and Robert Tumchewics of the Yellowknife Ski Club were granted the Facility Maintainers Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in the maintenance and operations of a NWT recreation facility.

Bruce and Robert have volunteered the past 13 years as trail groomers with the Yellowknife Ski Club.

They have contributed countless hours clearing ski trails, grooming trails and maintaining snow machines and grooming equipment. They are also the groomers for special events such as Arctic Winter Games and Annual Loppet.

"It was kind of nice. I didn't expect it. We do what we do without awards, but we appreciate the recognition," said Tumchewics.