(From left to right) Award winner Joe Cecchini with Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport at the 2024 Alberta Sport Recognition Awards on June 7, 2025. (Government of Alberta/ supplied)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Devotion to Sport

Provincial government names recipients of 2024 Alberta Sport Recognition Awards

Jun 10, 2025 | 4:48 PM

The Government of Alberta has named the recipients of the 2024 Alberta Sport Recognition Awards.

For over 35 years, the awards have honoured the best athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers in the province.

Recipients of the 2024 Alberta Sport Recognition Awards include individuals who demonstrated their unwavering devotion to their sport, leadership and excellence, and serve as role models for the next generation of Alberta athletes.

“Both at home and abroad, all the award winners have excelled in their respective roles and are deserving of recognition for their efforts,” said Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport. “Their leadership shows the world that Alberta is a province that lives the spirit of sport, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Meanwhile, Tracey Kinsella, executive director of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, said they’re honoured to welcome this exceptional class into the Hall of Fame.

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“This institution plays a vital role in preserving our sport history and celebrating those who’ve shaped it,” she said. “By honouring their legacy tonight, we inspire future generations and ensure the enduring impact of sport lives on.”

The 2024 award recipients are:

• Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Aiden Norman – Swimming
• Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Dianna Proctor – Athletics
• Junior Team of the Year – U22 Female Team Alberta – Box Lacrosse
• Open Male Athlete of the Year – Marco Arop – Athletics
• Open Female Athlete of the Year – Hallie Clarke – Skeleton
• Open Team of the Year – Team Canada – Women’s Sitting Volleyball – Volleyball
• Don Watts Coach Developer Award – Jackie Cool – Multi-sport

Coach Recognition Awards:

• Joe Cecchini – Skeleton
  • Alex Dawson – Swimming
  • Ron Thompson – Athletics

Technical Official Recognition Awards:

• Louise Buskas – Athletics
• Drew Fischer – Soccer
• Jeff Verhoeven – Boxing

Sport Volunteer Recognitions Awards:

• Blair Carbert, KC – Speedskating
• Virginia Dilger – Water Polo

Meanwhile, the 2025 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame class was inducted on Saturday which included Clara Hughes, the only Canadian Olympian to medal at both a winter and summer games, and the 1981-89 RDC Queens Volleyball Team.