Wetaskiwin area women honoured with Alberta Sport Recognition Award

In a heartwarming celebration of athleticism and dedication, two remarkable women from Wetaskiwin were recently recognized at the 2024 Alberta Sport Recognition Awards. This annual event, which holds significant importance in the realm of sports in Alberta, was held in Red Deer on June 7, coinciding with the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony.

The Alberta Sport Recognition Awards, initiated back in 1987, aim to honor the inspiring achievements and unwavering commitment of high-performance coaches, officials, and volunteers throughout the province. For over 35 years, these awards have provided a platform to celebrate exceptional contributors — the individuals who embody the spirit of sport in Alberta.

This year’s award winners were a diverse group, showcasing not only outstanding athletes but also dedicated coaches and exemplary officials. Each recipient exemplified an unwavering commitment to their sport while serving as role models for future generations. Minister Andrew Boitchenko expressed immense pride in the award winners, stating: “Both at home and abroad, all the award winners have excelled in their respective roles and are deserving of recognition for their efforts. Their leadership shows the world that Alberta is a province that lives the spirit of sport.”

Among those honored was Louise Buskas, who received the prestigious Technical Official Recognition Award in Athletics. This accolade not only highlights her contributions to the sport but also marks a significant milestone in her career. In 2024, Louise was selected as one of four Canadian officials appointed to officiate at the esteemed Paralympic Games in Paris, becoming the only representative from Alberta.

Buskas’s journey in athletics began in her home town during the 1993 Alberta Summer Games in Wetaskiwin, where she discovered her passion for officiating. With decades of experience under her belt, she has contributed immensely to the development of officials in Alberta, serving as the past chair of the Alberta Officials Committee and currently participating on the National Officials Committee with Athletics Canada. Her commitment doesn’t end there; she actively mentors aspiring officials, playing a pivotal role in setting high standards within the field.

Equally impressive is the achievement of Maskwacis laxer Brooklynn Raine. She was an integral part of the two-time national champion U22 Female Team Alberta, which made history by winning back-to-back national box lacrosse championships at the 2024 U22 National Box Lacrosse Championships. This second title not only celebrates Raine’s individual prowess but also represents a significant accomplishment for female lacrosse in Alberta.

The U22 Alberta team, composed of players between the ages of 16 to 21, showcased their incredible talent, completing the round-robin phase of the tournament undefeated and ultimately facing off against the host team, Team BC, in the finals. Their resilience and teamwork exemplify the spirit of camaraderie and competition that defines Alberta sports.

The Alberta Sport Recognition Awards have adapted over the years to truly encompass the start of athletes and coaches. In 2002, the Athlete and Team of the Year awards were introduced to emphasize high-performance athletes and teams dedicated to promoting Alberta’s name on national and international stages. The inclusion of these awards signifies the commitment to recognizing excellence at all levels, ensuring that inspiring figures like Buskas and Raine are celebrated for their contributions.

In essence, the recent Alberta Sport Recognition Awards serve not just as a celebration of individual accomplishments but as a reminder of the strength and potential of the Alberta sports community as a whole. By highlighting the work of coaches, officials, and volunteers, the event reinforces the importance of nurturing pride in sports within the province.

The stories of Louise Buskas and Brooklynn Raine highlight the profound impact that athletics can have on individuals and the communities they represent. They are reminders of the hard work and dedication that goes into achieving excellence in sports, inspiring the next generation to pursue their passions just as fervently.

In these times of celebrating triumphs, it is crucial to recognize the individuals who often work behind the scenes—the officials, coaches, and volunteers that make sporting events successful. Men and women like Buskas continue to pave the way for future athletes by setting high standards and mentoring new officials.

The light shone on these Wetaskiwin women at the Alberta Sport Recognition Awards not only honors their achievements but also signifies the collective spirit of the community coming together to support and recognize local sporting endeavors. As we look forward to the next generation of athletes, let us draw inspiration from these role models who exemplify determination, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in sports. Their stories are a testament to the thriving sports culture in Alberta, one that continues to foster talent and inspire passion in all who engage with it.

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