Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards - Announcement of Winners 2025

Lethbridge, Alberta – The Lethbridge Sport Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 16th Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions to sport in Lethbridge in 2025. These awards celebrate excellence, dedication, and fair play—both on and off the field—honouring individuals and groups who have made a lasting impact on the local sport community.

“This year’s recipients represent the remarkable variety of sports thriving in our community,” said Susan Eymann, Executive Director of the Lethbridge Sport Council. “It’s inspiring to see such diversity reflected across our categories.”

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Award winners:

• Junior Female Athlete - Addyson Tamura
• Junior Male Athlete - Owen Parker
• Senior Female Athlete - Jinaye Shomachuk
• Senior Male Athlete - Kyle Oliver
• Athlete with a Disability - Johan "Jay" Berner
• Special Olympics Athlete - Aliya de Gruchy
• Amateur Team - Yetis (U17 Level 1) Cheerleading
• Coaching Excellence - Community - Cory Gillespie
• Coaching Excellence - High Performance - Randy Bardock
• Volunteer in Sport - Meadow Liversuch
• Dr. Gary Bowie Sport Event Excellence - 2025 Alberta Roller Hockey Provincials
• Business in Sport Excellence - Boarderline Skateboard & Snowboard Store
• Sport Administrator - Neil Langevin
• Sport Organization - Lethbridge Ringette Association
• Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen - Jaxen Brandt
• Knud Petersen Spirit in Sport Award - Bernadine and Toby Boulet

Award ceremony information:

• Wednesday, April 15th - doors open 6:00 PM, program 7:00 PM
• VisitLethbridge.com Arena, National Bank Lounge
• Tickets: $25.00 (12 and under $10)

To purchase tickets visit https://lethbridgesportcouncil.ca/events/achievement-awards

Recipient Biographies

Junior Female Athlete - Addyson Tamura (Judo)

Addyson had an impressive 2025 judo season, earning podium finishes at both national and international events. She captured gold at the Cadet Canadian Open National Championships in Calgary, the Pacific International in Vancouver, and the Edmonton International. She also claimed bronze at the Senior Canadian Open National Championships in Calgary, the Cadet Pan-American Championships in Peru, and the Panama Cadet PJC Cup in Panama. Beyond those results, Addyson represented Canada at the 2025 Junior Pan-American Championships and qualified for the 2025 Cadet World Championships. She has consistently delivered strong performances on the tatami, pairing technical skill with steady composure in competition. Addyson embraces challenges and is committed to continual growth, working to strengthen both her physical preparation and mental approach each time she steps on the mat.

Junior Male Athlete - Owen Parker (Multisport)

Owen continues to set the bar high as a student-athlete. Owen competes and excels in basketball, football, badminton, and track and field, while also balancing his academics. In Grade 10, as captain of the junior varsity basketball team, he helped lead the team to a zone championship. Now in Grade 11, he earned a starting position on the senior varsity team through consistent effort, coachability, and determination and his high basketball IQ. In football, he was the starting quarterback for Team Alberta, his team earning silver at the Canadian Western Challenge and he was the LCI Rams Football Quarterback of the Year, and Grade 11 Player of the Year. Owen manages the demands of multiple sports with discipline, strong communication, and a commitment to continual improvement.

Senior Female Athlete - Jinaye Shomachuk (Athletics)

Jinaye delivered an outstanding 2025 season, highlighted by being ranked the number one female in U Sports weight throw and earning Field Event Athlete of the Year honours at the Canada West Championships after winning both shot put and weight throw. She went on to claim silver at the U Sports Championships and a bronze medal in hammer at the Canadian Outdoor Championships. At the 2025 Canada Summer Games, she won gold in hammer and silver in discus, and she added provincial titles in both hammer and discus at the Alberta Championships. Jinaye maintains a 3.67 GPA and is a three time Academic All Canadian. A multi year Pronghorn Female Athlete of the Year and the current U23 provincial record holder in weight throw and hammer, she also gives back to the community through leadership roles with the Lost Soul Ultra Marathon, the Moonlight Run, and mentorship initiatives with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Senior Male Athlete - Kyle Oliver (Boxing)

Kyle has re established himself as a leading competitor in boxing, building a lengthy resume of accomplishments at the provincial, national, and international levels following a remarkable comeback from significant personal and injury related challenges. His return to the ring speaks to his resilience and determination, qualities that have defined his athletic journey. At the Lethbridge Boxing Club, Kyle is known not only for his performance, but for the way he supports those around him. He welcomes athletes of all experience levels, shares his knowledge freely, and creates a training environment where everyone feels respected and included. Highly coachable and committed to improvement, he studies the sport closely, seeks out new learning opportunities, and puts in extra work beyond regular sessions. Kyle’s leadership, mentorship, and sportsmanship have made a lasting impact on teammates and the broader boxing community.

Athlete with a Disability - Johan "Jay" Berner (Rowing)

Johan “Jay” Berner is a role model, representing the Rowing Canada Aviron Para National Team with success at both national and international levels. He won gold at the 2025 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, capturing the Justin Fryer Trophy, and earned eighth place at the 2025 World Rowing Championships. Training out of Lethbridge and competing with the PR3 coxed mixed 4, Jay quickly developed into a key member of his crew through dedication, focus, and long hours on and off the water. Beyond his results, he is recognized for his leadership, integrity, and inclusiveness, creating a welcoming environment for teammates and inspiring the next generation of athletes with limb differences. His commitment to sport, community, and personal growth makes him a respected competitor and a role model in the rowing community.

Special Olympics Athlete - Aliya de Gruchy (Swimming)

Alyia De Gruchy has been swimming for five years, coming to the sport after teaching herself the basics and quickly showing the speed and determination to improve. Quiet and shy, she works diligently on her stroke and technique, pushing herself to develop with each practice. At age 16, she earned a spot on Team Alberta for the Canada Games, overcoming nerves and the challenge of long course racing. While training simultaneously for Provincials in short course and the Canada Games in long course, Alyia demonstrated remarkable focus and perseverance. She won four medals at Provincials and achieved personal bests at the Canada Games in Newfoundland. Her determination, consistent effort, and commitment to improving her performance make her a deserving nominee for this award and an inspiring member of Team Alberta.

Amateur Team - Yetis (U17 Level 1) (Cheerleading)

The Yetis U17 Level 1 team had an exceptional 2025 season, achieving first place at the All Star World Championship in Orlando with a near-perfect score of 95.6/100, as well as capturing the U17 Level 1 title at the Canadian National Championships. Their competitive excellence was matched by a deep commitment to their community and teammates. Members volunteered as junior leaders within their gym, mentored younger athletes, and supported local events including parades, the MS Walk, and Canada Day celebrations. They also reached out to athletes from neighbouring gyms to offer mentorship and encouragement, creating connections that extended beyond competition. Known for their integrity, cooperation, and sportsmanship, the Yetis celebrate victories with humility, support one another through challenges, and consistently step into leadership roles, demonstrating that their impact on and off the mat is truly extraordinary.

Coaching Excellence - Community - Cory Gillespie (Multisport)

Cory Gillespie is a dedicated coach and mentor whose impact reaches far beyond the gym. At Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, he built a fully equipped training space with his own resources and provides one-on-one coaching to students of all skill levels in CrossFit, Olympic lifting, and powerlifting. He guides athletes in goal setting, nutrition, program planning, and technique, helping beginners develop into competitive athletes, including U Sports football players, bodybuilders, and Paralympic rowers. Cory fosters a supportive and motivating environment with record boards, vision boards, and celebrations of personal bests, while emphasizing inclusivity and personal growth. His mentorship extends to community programs where he continues to support athletes of all abilities. Former students describe him as life-changing, noting his guidance in both sport and life, and his ongoing involvement has helped athletes achieve provincial, national, and international success.

Coaching Excellence - High Performance - Randy Bardock (Soccer)

Randy Bardock has been a cornerstone of soccer coaching in Lethbridge and across Alberta for over 20 years. As a coach, mentor, and developer, he has shaped programs at all levels, from youth to high performance, including his work with Lethbridge Soccer, Alberta Under-16 Provincial Select Teams, and the Whitecaps Academy. He has guided players to team and individual success while fostering sportsmanship and inclusivity, and his teams have earned repeated recognition for fair play. Beyond his athletes, Randy has trained and mentored hundreds of coaches, serving as a Canada Soccer National “C” Licensed Instructor and Alberta Coach Developer, dedicating countless hours to on-field sessions, virtual meetings, and one-on-one support. Known for his integrity, commitment, and leadership, he continues to elevate soccer in Lethbridge, helping both players and coaches reach their full potential and leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Volunteer in Sport - Meadow Liversuch (Swimming)

Meadow Liversuch has made an extraordinary impact in sport and the community through both her athletic achievements and extensive volunteer work. A U Sports National Championships qualifier and Canada West medalist in swimming, she balances high-level training and competition with academic excellence, all while giving back in multiple ways. Meadow has led a community-based Learn-to-Swim program for newcomers in partnership with the University of Lethbridge Swim Team and Lethbridge Family Services. She has coordinated volunteer instructors, and created welcoming, inclusive environments. Meadow volunteers at the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, tutors children in foster care, mentors young female athletes through Fast and Female and LA Swim Club programs, and supports adults with disabilities in daily activities and community engagement. Her dedication, leadership, and compassion exemplify integrity, inclusiveness, and advocacy, making her an impactful role model and a deserving winner of the Volunteer in Sport award.

Dr. Gary Bowie Sport Event Excellence - 2025 Alberta Roller Hockey Provincials

Roller Hockey Lethbridge delivered an exceptional Alberta Minor Roller Hockey Association Provincial Tournament in 2025, reviving an event that had been dormant for over seven years and providing a premier platform for youth competition across the province. The tournament hosted 21 teams with 245 participants, of which 78% from out of town, and drew 950 spectators. The event contributed a documented $195,000 economic impact to Lethbridge. Athletes competed across divisions from 11U to 18U, creating a strong development pathway and reinforcing Lethbridge as a provincial hub for inline hockey. The event was praised for its seamless logistics, thoughtful scheduling, attention to athlete and family experience, and professional execution. When heavy rain caused roof leaks, a team of volunteers acted quickly to maintain safety and ensure no games were canceled. Teams, coaches, and parents highlighted the welcoming atmosphere. The host committee’s leadership, organization, and community focus set a high standard for sport event excellence in Alberta.

Business in Sport Excellence - Boarderline Skateboard & Snowboard Store

Boarderline Skateboard & Snowboard Store has been a cornerstone of Lethbridge’s skateboarding and snowboarding community since 1989. Locally owned and rider-driven, the shop supports youth athletes through equipment, mentorship, and sponsorship, helping emerging riders develop in their sport. Beyond athlete support, Boarderline organizes inclusive community events, hill takeovers, and grassroots gatherings that foster participation, confidence, and social connection. Their leadership is defined by integrity, authenticity, and a genuine care for the community, promoting sport as a tool for growth, belonging, and well-being. Through decades of values-driven involvement, Boarderline exemplifies the intersection of business excellence and sport leadership in Lethbridge.

Sport Administrator - Neil Langevin

Neil Langevin has had a transformative impact on Athletics and Recreation at the University of Lethbridge through his visionary leadership and strategic initiatives. As Executive Director of ARS, he has guided long-term growth and innovation while enhancing day-to-day operations for student-athletes, campus users, and the broader community. In 2025, he led the development and funding of a new multi-purpose sports dome, that will expand year-round training, competition, and recreation opportunities. He secured over $700,000 in new scholarships to support Pronghorn student-athletes and negotiated a landmark $4.25 million title sponsorship for the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness, marking one of the largest corporate investments in the University’s sport history. Beyond administration, he remains actively involved as Assistant Coach with the Pronghorn Women’s Rugby Team, reflecting his commitment to athletes and hands-on leadership. Neil combines integrity, collaboration, and vision to deliver lasting impact on sport and recreation at the University.

Sport Organization - Lethbridge Ringette Association

The Lethbridge Ringette Association demonstrated leadership, innovation, and community impact in 2025, strengthening both its organization and the athlete experience. Registration grew from 164 to 208 players, reflecting deliberate program development and a focus on accessibility, including some of the lowest ice sport fees in the region. The Association introduced goalie-specific clinics, spring and summer 3-on-3 sessions, and the Rattler Challenge, providing flexible, inclusive opportunities for skill development and engagement. Athlete growth is supported through structured pathways and mentorship, including an expanded Junior Coach Program and recreational programs that attract 60–70 participants per night. Governance, fiscal responsibility, and member communication are prioritized through transparent processes and strategic use of limited ice time. Combined with competitive successes, such as the Southern Storm U14 team’s Lion’s Cup victory in Finland, LRA exemplifies values-driven leadership and continues to elevate ringette in Lethbridge.

Servus Credit Union Outstanding Sport Citizen - Jaxen Brandt

While Jaxen’s athletic accomplishments are impressive, it is his character that truly sets him apart. Jaxen is relentless in his training, consistently being the first in the pool and the last out, and approaching every set with determination and a “never-give-up” attitude. Beyond his own performance, he is selfless and supportive of his teammates, always cheering for others, treating everyone with respect—from rivals to the youngest swimmers—and demonstrating humility and kindness in all interactions. Jaxen also had an outstanding 2025 season with the Lethbridge Orcas Summer Swim Club, medaling at nearly every meet and qualifying for Summer Festivals, a provincial-level competition that requires meeting strict time standards. Jaxen’s commitment, effort, and respect for others make him not only a fierce competitor but also a remarkable example of the spirit that makes sport meaningful.

Knud Petersen Spirit in Sport Award - Bernadine and Toby Boulet

Bernadine and Toby Boulet have demonstrated extraordinary compassion, advocacy, and leadership through their tireless promotion of organ donation and their efforts to inspire positive change in the community. Following the tragic loss of their son Logan in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, they transformed grief into action, helping launch Green Shirt Day and sparking the Logan Boulet Effect, which has inspired over 150,000 Canadians to register as organ donors. Their advocacy extends beyond awareness, including fundraising efforts exceeding $750,000 for organizations such as KidSport, Special Olympics, and youth fine arts, as well as establishing the Logan Boulet Endowment and endowing the Ric Suggitt Women’s Rugby Memorial Award at the University of Lethbridge. Through integrity, empathy, and a commitment to creating opportunity and hope for others, the Boulets exemplify the values of the Spirit in Sport Award, leaving a lasting impact on sport, youth, and the broader community.

Media Contact

Tanya Whipple
Communication Manager, Lethbridge Sport Council
[email protected]
403-330-5597