Throughout the month of December, AthletesCAN will reveal the finalists in six award categories for the 45th Canadian Sport Awards continuing to focus on trailblazers, athlete-centred accomplishments and initiatives – with the ultimate goal to unite, amplify and celebrate the leadership and voices of our members.
The campaign will culminate in a virtual awards broadcast on Wednesday, Dec. 21, live on AthletesCAN’s digital channels.
Bruce Kidd Leadership Award
The Bruce Kidd Leadership Award is presented annually to a retired national team athlete, sport leader, or organization, who has provided meaningful contributions to the betterment of sport as a leader, advocate, change agent, or builder. This award highlights the groundbreaking work that contributed to the betterment of sport through inspirational leadership, innovative practices, and/or positive influence on the Canadian sport sector.
The award is named in honour of 1968 Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. Bruce Kidd, who has made enormous contributions to Canada’s sporting community as an athlete, advocate, author, historian, and academic
Michael Linklater, 3x3 Basketball
A long-time veteran of the Canadian 3×3 basketball team, Michael has been a significant advocate for indigenous youth, all while building the necessary relationships and pushing for athletes to have a voice at important decision-making tables. Most recently, Michael was invited to attend the first-ever Native American Heritage Month reception at the White House, hosted by First Lady Jill Biden.
Josh Dueck, Para Alpine Skiing
After serving as Chef de Mission for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games, Dueck was elected to International Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council, where he joined its first in-person meeting this past fall. Together with his peers, Josh is working to help increase athlete engagement, including encouraging feedback on the ongoing Classification Code Review, registration for the post-nominal PLY letters program and ensuring athletes with high support needs are met.
Seyi Smith, Athletics and Bobsleigh
Smith was elected to the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission, aiming to tackle climate change and environmental sustainability, thanks to his background as an electrical engineer and in renewable energy technologies. The former Chair of Canadian Olympic Committee’s Athlete Commission also made the trip to the Beijing Games this year as an athlete mentor.