On November 15, 2008, at the ParaSport Awards Banquet, hosted by Paralympics Ontario on behalf of the OCPSA, OWSA, OBSA & OALASA, the achievements and contributions by incredible members of the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association were recognized and celebrated.

Kyle Pettey, Senior Male Athlete of the Year rewrote the Canadian record books and set himself apart as an international contender at the Paralympic Summer Games in Beijing.  In the largest field of throwers, and in front of over 80,000 spectators, Kyle beat the world record holder and secured himself a bronze medal.  The was no doubt that in addition to receiving this prestigious award, that he would win the Male Athlete of the Year Award presented by Paralympics Ontario.

Megan Muscat, Senior Female Athlete of the Year sought out an aggressive competition and performance schedule this year to solidify her place on the Canadian Paralympic Games Team.  At the Games, Megan stepped confidently onto the track and raced the fastest 100m of her life.

OCPSA’s Junior Male Athlete of the Year was secured by a much deserving Kevin Strybosch.  Kevin was named to the Athletics Canada National Development Squad this year and he represented at the US Junior Track and Field Championships.  Worth an honourable mention is the fact that Kevin set personal best performances in each of his events this year.

Leah Robinson, Junior Female Athlete of the Year was identified as a rising star by Athletics Canada this year and was named to the Canadian Paralympic Games Team at the age of 14.  This incredible teen put a world of hurt on the Canadian record books in a number of distances over the 2008 season and capped it all off with a personal best in the 100m in Beijing.

Amanda Fader, OCPSA’s Coach of the Year, has worked very hard ensuring all athletes that she comes in contact with have been provided with hands-on assistance and support to make their experience at an event or training camp as seamless and productive as possible.  She believes not only in her own athletes, but all athletes.  Her hard work paid off when she was named as one of the athletics staff coaches for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

Congratulations to all 2008 achievement award recipients.

For information on the 2008 ParaSport Awards Banquet, visit  http://parasportontario.ca/ .

OCPSA Award Categories are as follows:

Edna Peace Memorial Trophy:

Senior Male Athlete of the Year & Senior Female Athlete of the Year

This award is presented annually to Ontario's premier senior athlete of the year. This individual possesses the qualities we associate with performance and sport achievement.

Lou Legault Award: 

Junior Male Athlete of the Year & Junior Female Athlete of the Year

This award is presented annually to Ontario's premier junior athlete of the year. This individual possesses the qualities we associate with performance and sport achievement.

Coach of the Year

This award is presented annually to Ontario's premier coach. This individual possesses the qualities we associate with performance and sport achievement.

Joanne Bouw Award for Teamwork

This award is presented annually to Ontario's outstanding amateur sport team. For the purpose of this award, a "team" is considered a group of two or more people competing simultaneously as a single entry entity for one award.

"Builders" Hall of Fame Award

The “Builders” Hall of Fame Award recognizes OCPSA volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the growth of the association.