Now, among many of its accolades during the last decade or so, two of its top practitioners were recognized at the Sport P.E.I. awards Wednesday in Charlottetown.
Caitlin Campbell earned the senior female athlete of the year award and Lucas Boudreau the junior male honour for their efforts in 2016.
“It’s pretty sweet. I’m surprised considering the heavy hitters in this category,” said Boudreau, who was picked over rugby’s Jordon Montgomery and tennis’ Mark Rainnie. “I’m looking forward to having a good year this season.”
The Elmwood native made Canada’s youth biathlon team and competed in Romania in his first world championships, then over four meets in North America won five medals and overall champ in the youth division.
At the Canadian championships, Boudreau finished in the top 10 in all his events. He said none of that, and the overall success of the sport, would be possible if Judy and Stephen Hale hadn’t come on board almost 20 years ago and other volunteers didn’t sign on.
Other success from Biathlon P.E.I. include Caitlin’s brother Carsen and Lucas’ twin brother Andre.
“Definitely one of biggest reasons,” said Lucas. “The amount of time they all put in is why we are where we are.”
Caitlin Campbell is on the same page as her running mate and points to the others who’ve led the way.
“Having the high-level athletes (like Mark Arendz and Carsen) show we can compete. Also the coaching is phenomenal and the dedication of the athletes,” said the Bedeque native.
She followed Carsen into the tracks as she sees skiing as a family sport, indeed many skiers at the world level have siblings competing internationally.
Last year, Caitlin collected an overall North American championship, earned two gold and five silver medals in various events and was the first female biathlete from P.E.I. named to a Canadian team, competing at the world juniors in Romania.
All and all, a very good year.
“I’m pretty excited. All the girls I was up against are at a high level.”
Boudreau leaves today to defend his title at the fourth Nor-Am Cup event of the season this weekend in Jericho, Vt., while Campbell’s next event is the nationals next month in British Columbia.
Now, among many of its accolades during the last decade or so, two of its top practitioners were recognized at the Sport P.E.I. awards Wednesday in Charlottetown.
Caitlin Campbell earned the senior female athlete of the year award and Lucas Boudreau the junior male honour for their efforts in 2016.
“It’s pretty sweet. I’m surprised considering the heavy hitters in this category,” said Boudreau, who was picked over rugby’s Jordon Montgomery and tennis’ Mark Rainnie. “I’m looking forward to having a good year this season.”
The Elmwood native made Canada’s youth biathlon team and competed in Romania in his first world championships, then over four meets in North America won five medals and overall champ in the youth division.
At the Canadian championships, Boudreau finished in the top 10 in all his events. He said none of that, and the overall success of the sport, would be possible if Judy and Stephen Hale hadn’t come on board almost 20 years ago and other volunteers didn’t sign on.
Other success from Biathlon P.E.I. include Caitlin’s brother Carsen and Lucas’ twin brother Andre.
“Definitely one of biggest reasons,” said Lucas. “The amount of time they all put in is why we are where we are.”
Caitlin Campbell is on the same page as her running mate and points to the others who’ve led the way.
“Having the high-level athletes (like Mark Arendz and Carsen) show we can compete. Also the coaching is phenomenal and the dedication of the athletes,” said the Bedeque native.
She followed Carsen into the tracks as she sees skiing as a family sport, indeed many skiers at the world level have siblings competing internationally.
Last year, Caitlin collected an overall North American championship, earned two gold and five silver medals in various events and was the first female biathlete from P.E.I. named to a Canadian team, competing at the world juniors in Romania.
All and all, a very good year.
“I’m pretty excited. All the girls I was up against are at a high level.”
Boudreau leaves today to defend his title at the fourth Nor-Am Cup event of the season this weekend in Jericho, Vt., while Campbell’s next event is the nationals next month in British Columbia.
And the winners are
Sport P.E.I. held its 43rd annual awards ceremony Wednesday in Charlottetown. The following are the 2016 winners:
P.E.I. Mutual Insurance official of the year – Marguerite Middleton, swimming.
ADL volunteer administrator of the year – Lori Lund, soccer.
ADL masters athlete of the year – Heather Ayles, powerlifting.
P.E.I. Mutual Insurance coach of the year – Josh Whitty, basketball.
SCORE! team of the year – Holland College Hurricanes women's basketball team.
DP Murphy Hotels and Resorts junior female athlete of the year – Emma Jinks, squash.
DP Murphy Hotels and Resorts junior male athlete of the year – Lucas Boudreau, biathlon.
Intercollegiate female athlete of the year – Jessica Cameron, hockey.
Intercollegiate male athlete of the year – Ligrit Sadiku, wrestling.
Bell Aliant Senior female athlete of the year – Caitlin Campbell, biathlon.
Bell Aliant Senior male athlete of the year – Brett Gallant, curling.
Award of Honour – Amy Burk, goalball.
Inspirational Award – Emily Cameron, rowing.
President's Award – the late Barb Mullaly.
Premier's Award – Hockey P.E.I.
Lieutenant Governor's Award – Brett Gallant, curling.
