Under the glow of the Terry Fox Athletic Facility lights, Ottawa Lions athletes and supporters will trade spandex and spikes for semi-formal attire next Saturday, September 13, as the club hosts its annual Awards Banquet to celebrate a remarkable season.
Among the feats to recognize this year are accomplishments that stretched from grassroots participation to the world stage. Membership grew to more than 1,600 athletes of all ages, while the Club hosted 26 competitions — highlighted by the return of the Canadian Championships to the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.
In total, Lions athletes brought home a total of 5 international medals, 71 national medals and 80 provincial medals, highlighted by U20 and Open team titles at the Ontario Championships. Along the way, two national club records and six masters world records were set, while 27 new age-class marks were added to the club’s all-time lists.
Honouring International Excellence
Among the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the President’s Awards, given annually to those who have represented Canada internationally or competed at the Canada Summer Games. This year’s honourees include:
Coaches / IST
- Glenroy Gilbert – World Indoor, World Relays, NACAC, World Outdoor Championships
- Leslie Estwick – NACAC Championships
- Sultana Frizell (IST) – Pan Am Junior Games
- Gordon Cavé – Pan Am Junior Games
- Amanda Fader – Canada Summer Games
Athletes
- Lauren Gale – World Relays, NACAC, World Outdoor Championships
- Maëliss Trapeau – World Outdoor Championships
- Jessica Gyamfi – FISU Games, Canada Summer Games
- David Moulongou – FISU Games
- Doyin Ogunremi – FISU Games
- Liam Davis – Canada Summer Games
- Zachary Jeggo – Canada Summer Games
- Connor Fraser – Canada Summer Games
These individuals embody the Lions’ tradition of excellence and will be recognized alongside club MVPs, volunteers, and officials who have made an impact throughout the season.
Event Details
Celebrations begin with cocktails at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner, awards, and speeches starting at 6:30 p.m., with the program expected to wrap up around 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $35 per person, and are on sale on Trackie until Wednesday, September 10 at 11:59 p.m. Guests can choose from grilled chicken, salmon, or a vegetarian entrée, each served with salad, rice, vegetables, and bread. Dietary restrictions may be shared during registration to ensure everyone enjoys the evening meal. Non-alcoholic beverages will be included, while wine and beer will be available for purchase.
Guests are encouraged to dress in business or cocktail attire for this semi-formal occasion. With the banquet taking place outdoors under canvas tents, complete with walls and heaters, attendees should be prepared for early fall weather, which can dip into the low teens.