HAY RIVER - The NWT's outstanding volunteers for 2010 have been honoured by the territorial government.

The recipients of the annual award - presented on May 14 in Hay River - are youth volunteer Bryan Nitsiza of Whati, individual volunteer Cheryl Hval of Fort Smith, elder volunteer Ruby Trudel of Yellowknife, and the volunteers with Yellowknife Victim Services, which was honoured with a group award.

Hval said she was "pleasantly surprised" to receive the award.

She was recognized for her many years coaching curling and gymnastics, and her past role as a Girl Guide leader.

Hval said volunteering is never a matter of being recognized, but she is always focused on helping young people.

There are a fair number of other volunteers in Fort Smith, she said. "But there's always room for more."

Nitsiza said he was happy to receive the award.

"It was exciting," said the Grade 11 student at Mezi Community School in Whati.

Nitsiza said he volunteers at many community events, including spring carnival and Christmas activities.

Robert C. McLeod, the minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, said the awards are a great opportunity to acknowledge the volunteers and volunteer organizations that strengthen NWT communities with their outstanding contributions.

"The award recipients have continually devoted their time to making our communities better places," McLeod stated in a news release. The minister added this year's outstanding volunteers are a credit to their communities and an example to all Northerners.