Iqaluit (Apr 25/05) - Terry Aknavigak from Cambridge Bay has been coaching basketball for the last seven years.

He doesn't get paid for it, he is a volunteer. He does it out of love of the game, knowing deep down that a little sports can go a long way in a young person's life.

Grace Tagoona, left, and Eric Tapatai of the Baker Lake Tear Drop Youth Group accepted the Group Volunteer Award from the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth on April 19.

On April 19, the Government of Nunavut thanked him with the Youth Volunteer Award, presented to a person between the ages of 15-24.

"I feel great," said Aknavigak following the awards ceremony put on by the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth in Iqaluit. "I was surprised to get the call."

For Aknavigak, it comes down to supporting the kids who are the future of Nunavut.

"Kids realize they have a lot of potential when they play sports," he said, as his girlfriend Daisy Eyegotok, who coaches junior basketball, and their 13-month-old daughter Nykesha looked on proudly.

Bryon Doherty of Iqaluit won the Adult Volunteer Award for his work with the Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line, the Iqaluit Centennial Library and the Rotary Club.

Meeka Alivaktuk of Panniqtuuq received the Elder Award for her efforts with the Sided Society to help prevent suicide.

Alivaktuk is the chairperson for the Pujualusait group, which provides healing programs for students of residential schools. She also raised money this year for tsunami relief overseas.

Grace Tagoona and Eric Tapatai from Baker Lake received the Group Volunteer Award for promoting suicide prevention and awareness for youth through the Baker Lake Tear Drop Youth Group.