The Government of Yukon has recognized the achievements of Yukon athletes for 2019 with the announcement of the Celebration of Sport Excellence awards.

The awards doled out include the Premier's awards of sport excellence, which include the recognitions of medal winners from the 2019 Canada Winter Games and the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games, as well as the Minister’s awards of sport recognition.

The Celebration of Sport Excellence also recognizes sport awards given by Sport Yukon, previously announced in May 2020, and by the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle.

On May 28, a small convoy from Sport Yukon delivered awards to six athletes. Dylan Cozens was honoured as the International Male Athlete of the Year. Dahria Beatty was the International Female Athlete of the Year.

Cross country skier Derek Deuling and swimmer Amelia Barrault were recognized as the national/territorial athletes of the year.

The PeeWee Mustangs hockey squad was the Team of the Year. Sean McCarron, basketball, was Coach of the Year, and Leslie Raenden, cross country skiing was Administrator of the Year.

Joining those seven names are 44 individual athletes and two teams representing 14 sports.

"In 2019, Yukon athletes and coaches achieved so much at the regional, national and international level of competition," Premier Sandy Silver said in a release. "Their achievements, built on a strong Yukon work ethic, drive and talent, are not only an inspiration to the next generation of Yukon athletes, but to all Yukoners."

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual in-person celebration had to be cancelled. Winners will receive their awards and be recognized with a video message from Community Services Minister John Streicker.

"I am thrilled to once again celebrate the accomplishments of our Yukon athletes," said Streicker. "The achievements of our Yukon athletes and coaches in 2019 speak to the strength and abilities of our territorial sport community – athletes, coaches and administrators.

"Even though COVID-19 has been challenging for athletes, teams and games, I am inspired by the fact that many of our Yukon athletes are continuing to train, work toward their personal bests and look forward to the time when they can once again compete in regional, national and international competitions."

Honoured for their medal-winning performances at national games were Natalie Hynes, at the Canada Winter Games and Julianne Girouard, Mara Roldan, Mia Barrault, Cassi Jensen, Jaymi Hinchey and Judi Russell at the Western Canada Summer Games.

Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle award winners were; Archer Emma TomTom, Aboriginal athlete of the year; Devin Forester, Aboriginal Arctic sports/Dene games athlete of the year; Sarah Walz, Aboriginal coach of the year; Kwanlin Dun Recreation Department, Outstanding commitment to aboriginal sports.

Winners of the Premier’s awards of excellence and the Minister’s awards of recognition have achieved a level of excellence in their sport or a special level of accomplishment in their sport. These athletes were nominated by their sport governing bodies.

Premier's awards of sport excellence:

Archers: Allan Hansen, Sofijia Jewell, Emmet Kapaniuk and Vincent Menard.

Arctic sports: Emily King

Athletics: Jack Amos and Jessica Frotten.

Biathlon: Nadia Moser, Jake Draper, Aiden and Isla Hupe.

Canoe/Kayak: Hunter Vincent and Luanda Pronovost.

Cross country skiing: Dahria Beatty, Emily Nishikawa, Emily Hynes, Derek Deuling, Sasha Masson, Amanda Thomson.

Freestyle skiing: Etienne Geoffroy-Gagnon.

Gymnastics: Layla Lombert.

Hockey: Dylan Cozens and Gavin Mckenna and the PeeWee Mustangs.

Orienteering: Forest Pearson, Jen Mackeigan and Pia Blake.

Special Olympics: Ernest Chua, swimming and Darby McIntyre, cross country skiing.

Ministers awards of sport recognition:

Emma TomTom, archery; Kate Kopke, Arctic sports; Ava Irving-Staley, cycling; Mikayla Kramer, figure skating; Wylloh Dinn, gymnastics; Kassau Dreyer, swimming; Mike Sumner, Special Olympics figure skating, Tijana McCarthy, Special Olympics figure skating; Yukon North Stars, Hockey.