Nunavut Sport and Recreation awards gala honours leaders, volunteers

Leadership and volunteerism were recognized during the Nunavut Sport and Recreation awards gala at Iqaluit’s Aqsarniit hotel on Saturday.

The Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut co-hosted the event in partnership with the NU Sport Federation and the territorial government’s sport and recreation division.

Novoalia Carriere of Kinngait earned the Calm Air Youth Leader of the Year award for his work as a summer camp supervisor and now as head of the hamlet’s after-school program.

“Sport is important for young people because it promotes healthy physical growth, builds mental resilience, and teaches essential life and social skills,” said Carriere over Facebook Thursday.

The 18-year-old athlete cares for up to 40 children aged five through 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at the youth centre.

With the music of Black Eyed Peas and other pop artists filling the background at low volume, Carriere tries to create an atmosphere that’s distinct from school and home.

He cycles through creative indoor activities to foster social connection without any concern for “competition or adult expectations.”

“When activities feel less like school and more like an unfolding adventure, kids naturally stay hooked,” he said.

The non-profit association also honoured the Kinngait Youth Group with its Volunteers of the Year award.

“Volunteers really are the heart of their communities,” said association executive director Aaron Robinson in a phone interview Thursday.

Made up of 10 youths aged 13 to 19, the group offers a safe, welcoming space for younger children, he said.

In February, the teens served more than 200 residents at a Valentine’s Day breakfast, Robinson said.

“These youth have led with heart, teamwork and pride, and it’s still going,” he said. “They are inspiring others, building community and showing us what volunteerism and leadership truly looks like.”

City of Iqaluit recreation director Breton McNeil received the Recreation Leader of the Year award.

During the gala, the NU Sport Federation inducted former NHL player Jordin Tootoo and the late Arctic sports athlete and organizer Attima Hadlari into its newly established Nunavut Sports and Recreation Hall of Fame.

The federation and the Government of Nunavut also handed out awards to athletes, officials, and administrators from throughout the territory.

The audience included more than 100 recreation professionals who participated in the association’s weekend summit.

Organizations that included Nunavut Basketball, Volleyball Nunavut, Nunavut Soccer, Nunavut Table Tennis, Cambridge Bay Wrestling and Nunavut Badminton hosted coaching sessions in Iqaluit school gyms on Saturday and Sunday.