The Government of Yukon presented 150 awards of distinction to local athletes and volunteers last night.

Alongside the major award winners and active member awards handed out by individual sport clubs, the government’s sport and recreation department recognized athletes who had succeeded at the highest levels in their sport over the past year.

A total of 58 athletes received awards of excellence for their outstanding work representing the territory at regional, national and international competitions this past year – including the Yukon’s Special Olympics Canada Summer Games team.

Many more awards of recognition were handed out to athletes who starred for the Yukon at the North American Indigenous Games, the Arctic Winter Games, and the Canada 55+ Games.

“We have an amazing number of athletes and officials who are making their mark on regional, national and international levels,” said Sport Yukon president George Arcand.

“We are incredibly proud of our membership and enjoyed celebrating their achievements at the awards night.”

Two community recreation awards were also handed out to Meaghen Kimmitt of Watson Lake and Tristian Nieman of Beaver Creek.

“This awards night gives us the opportunity to recognize our outstanding sport and recreation community,” said Minister of Community Services Brad Cathers.

“We are pleased to work with Sport Yukon to co-host this important annual event. The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting and promoting sport, recreation and active living in Yukon.”

Athletes receiving awards of excellence include:

Athletics: Donna Jones.

Whitewater canoeing: Pelly Vincent-Braun.

Cross-country skiing: Colin Abbott, Dahria Beatty, Simon Cash, Hannah Deuling, Annah Hanthorn, Knute Johnsgaard, Caelan McLean, Kendra Murray, Emily Nishikawa, Graham Nishikawa.

Cycling: Zach Bell, Spencer Skerget.

Kayaking: Mael Provonost.

Orienteering: Pia Blake, Trevor Bray, Kerstin Burnett, Savannah Cash, Brent Langbakk, Nesta Leduc, Caelan McLean, Sara Nielsen, Barbara Scheck.

Snowboarding: Max Melvin-McNutt.

Swimming: Bronwyn Pasloski.

Wrestling: Brittanee Laverdure.

2014 Special Olympics

Athletics: Darby McIntyre, Jessica Pruden.

Bocce: Taylor Pooyatak-Amundson, Trevor Beemish, Aimee Lien, Teresa Roberts, Deb Sumner (head coach).

Soccer: Kenny Atlin, Rachel Dawson, Marvin Hall, Teddy Jackson, Chris Lee, Stephen McGundy, Duncan McRae, Gaetan Michaud, Owen Munroe, Michael Sumner, Natalie Taylor (head coach), Ken Binns and Thomas Rexinger (assistant coaches).

Swimming: Ernest Chua, Kevin Spofford.

Five-pin bowling (individual): Garry Chaplin, Hayley Halushka, Tyler Repka.

Five-pin bowling (team): Lisa Bachli, Garry Chaplin, Hayley Halushka, Tyler Repka, Carrie Rudolph, Krista McKinnon (head coach).