Crosby Wins Canada Games Award

Nova Scotia hockey sensation Sidney Crosby is the province's first winner of an award for exceptional Canada Games athletes.

The Roland Michener Canada Games Award was created in 1992. It is presented to one male and one female athlete from each Games. Winners of the award exemplify strong leadership skills on and off the playing field, and an ongoing commitment to scholastic and athletic excellence.

"We were honoured to have Sidney on Team Nova Scotia at the 2003 Canada Games," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I offer my congratulations to him on this award and on the impressive start he's made in his athletic career."

The Canada Games Council announced this year's recipients today, March 18. Each award winner receives a $500 bursary and a medal.

Mr. Crosby was the youngest male hockey player at the 2003 Games. His teammates unanimously voted for the then 15-year-old to be their captain.

He was a true team player, doing everything from filling water bottles, to giving credit to his teammates for every success on the ice. He calmly handled many media interviews and spent time talking with fans, often at the end of long days.

At 16, Mr. Crosby was the youngest member of Team Canada in the Under 18 Junior World Cup in August 2003. He is currently playing for the Rimouski Oceanic in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He is maintaining an 85 per cent average as a Grade 11 student.

Roland Michener was Canada's governor general from 1967, the first year of the Canada Games, to 1974. The award recognizes his contribution to sport and physical activity.

Mr. Michener was a model of physical fitness for Canadians. While in office, he encouraged them to lead healthier lives through the Participaction program. Later when a mountain in Alberta was named after him, the 80-year-old climbed it for the naming ceremony. He was 91 when he died in 1991.