Some of Central Alberta's most exceptional athletes have been recognized through Central Sport's 2024 Sport Awards.
The award recipients were honoured during a pre-game ceremony at the Red Deer Rebels' home game at the Westerner Park Centrium against the Swift Current Broncos on Saturday, March 8.
"We were extremely impressed with all the nominees this year and it just goes to show the longstanding commitment to sport in the community and we only wish to keep highlighting and encouraging those individuals year after year," said Trevor Thomas, Central Sport CEO.
A committee selects the winner of the awards, which aim to recognize local athletes, teams, volunteers and coaches each year.
Maddison Pearman was named the Red Deer Advocate Female Athlete of the year.
The 29-year-old had a memorable 2024 season representing Canada internationally in long track speed skating. She captured gold at the 2024 ISU World Speed Skating Championships in the team sprint in Calgary. Less than a month before that, Pearman was on the podium at the ISU Four Continents Championships in Salt Lake City, winning bronze in the team sprint. In that race, Pearman also helped the Canadian team set a new national record.
"Maddison has long been a strong representative for the Red Deer Central Lions Speed Skating Club and a positive role model in the community through her commitment to sport," Central Sport detailed in a media release.
Other nominees for the award included: Sandra Garcia-Bernal, Molly Simpson and Rebecca Smith.
Nicholas Bennett is the Red Deer Advocate Male Athlete of the Year.
The 21-year-old represented the Red Deer Catalina Swim Club at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where he won three medals, including gold in the 100 metre SB14 breaststroke and gold in the 200 metre SM14 individual medley. He also earned a silver medal in the 200 metre S14 freestyle.
He became the first Canadian para swimmer to win multiple gold medals at a single Paralympic Games since 2004 and the first to claim three since 2012. Bennett was selected as Canada's co-flag bearer at the Paralympic closing ceremonies. Other nominees for the award included Tyson DeZutter and Nathan Flewelling.
Ray Frotten has received the 2024 Lifetime Sport Achievement Award winner. Ray was the co-creator and co-founder of Red Deer Roller Hockey, which is still going strong after 25 years later. He was the chief operator for Red Deer Roller Hockey in its initial years and was also a coach and organizer. He also served as a coach at various levels in Red Deer Minor Hockey, Red Deer Minor Baseball and was a volunteer for the Red Deer Lions Speed Skating Club.
Justin Jarmolicz is the recipient of the Kendall Dunkle Minor Coach of the Year Award, which is given to a coach who volunteered to coach athletes 16 and under, and is a role model who shows and encourages leadership, good sportsmanship and enthusiasm for their sport.
"Jarmolicz has been a coach with Red Deer Minor Hockey U15AAA Rebels since 2015 and has developed one of the most successful programs in the province. The long-time dedicated minor hockey helped the Rebels to a bronze medal win at the Alberta Elite Hockey League U15 AAA provincial championships," Central Sport detailed.
The U18AAA Red Deer CarStar Braves have been named the 2024 Team of the Year.
"It was a historic season in 2024 for the Braves, who captured the U18 National Baseball Championship, the first U18 AAA team from the city ever to win a national title. They were also just the fourth team from Alberta since 1978 to claim the title. Over the four-day tournament at nationals, the Braves were dominant and went undefeated in all six games. They were also the Alberta provincial champions," said Central Sport.
For more information on the awards, visit www.centralsport.ca.
