Jason Emiry
Northern News Services
Published Monday, July 14, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The NWT Recreation and Parks Association announced the winners of the NWT Recreation and Parks Association's Annual Awards.

Six Northern recreation professionals and volunteers were recognized for their dedication and commitment to their communities. Craig Scott, Bruce Look, Robert Tumchewics and Kathleen Sulivan were recognized for their efforts in Yellowknife. Greg Elias of Sachs Harbor and Janie Hobart of Fort Smith were also rewarded for their efforts.

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

The Scott McAdam Youth Leadership Award is given to youth between 15 and 24 for their outstanding effort and contribution to improving the quality of life in their community through volunteerism, work experience and studies. This year's award is shared by Elias and Sulivan.

Elias is active in hockey, squash and volleyball. He helps with recreation programs such as Summer Day Camp. He also works as a tiny tots coordinator and volunteers with school culture camp in a leadership role.

"Elias is a very busy young man. It was difficult to reach him by phone because he is always busy with something in his community," said Ashley Deavu, program coordinator with NWT Recreation and Parks Association.

"I was surprised I won," said Elias.

The Award of Merit is given to an individual who has contributed significantly to recreation and parks development in the NWT.

Hobart is this year's winner. A member of the NWT Recreation and Parks Association Aquatics Committee and board member of Sport North, the Council of Sport and Recreation Partners and NWT Curling, Hobart has been an active volunteer for the Lifesaving Society, training hundreds of individuals as lifesavers, lifeguards and instructors.

She was instrumental in the creation of the NWTRPA Shallow Water Pool Lifeguard Certification, advocating for change to health regulations and becoming a certified instructor/examiner for the course.

She has also been recognized by the Lifesaving Society as a recipient of their Branch and Commonwealth Service Awards and the Service Cross Award.