Under the glow of the lights of the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, Ottawa Lions athletes and supporters will trade spandex and spikes for semi-formal attire next Saturday, September 12, as the club hosts its annual Awards Banquet to celebrate another remarkable season.
Among the feats to recognize this year are accomplishments that stretched from grassroots participation to topping the world stage. Club membership grew to its highest level ever with more than 1900 athletes of all ages, while the Club hosted nearly 20 competitions — highlighted by the Canadian Track and Field Championships in June.
In total, Lions athletes brought home 7 international medals, 57 national medals and 109 provincial medals, highlighted by a Pan American title for Lauren Gale and national championship golds for Gale, David Moulongou, Isla Kittmer, Anabelle Muir, Zachary Jeggo, Maxime Cazabon and Penny Roy. Along the way, one world masters world record was set, while 31 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:
Athletes
* Lauren Gale – Commonwealth Games, Pan American Championships, World Relays
* Maëliss Trapeau – Commonwealth Games, Pan American Championships
* David Moulongou – Commonwealth Games
* Oluwasegun Makinde – Commonwealth Games
* Zachary Jeggo – World U20 Championships, World Relays
* Saul Taler – World Cross Country Championships
Coaches / IST
* Glenroy Gilbert – Commonwealth Games, Pan American Championships, World Relays
* Gordon Cavé – World U20 Championships
* Leslie Estwick – Next Gen Euro Tour
* Sultana Frizell (IST) – World Cross Country Championships, Next Gen Euro Tour
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 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 $40 per person, and are on sale on Trackie until Wednesday, September 9th at noon. Guests can choose from grilled chicken, salmon, or vegetarian — 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. Attendees should be prepared for early fall weather, which can dip into the low teens.