SCARBOROUGH SOLARS AWARD

Awarded annually to a minimum of two (2) Ontario athletes (equal number of male and female athletes) who have been selected to, or who have the ability to, represent Ontario/Canada in international volleyball or beach volleyball competitions. 

Download the document below for more information on the Scarborough Solars Award, including selection criteria, and to view the application form.

BEACH ATHLETE AWARDS

JASON SENECHAL MEMORIAL AWARD

The Jason Senechal Memorial Award is presented annually to the Youth Beach Athlete that best demonstrates the qualities of honour, fair play, and sportsmanship.

The Jason Senechal Award is different from other OVA awards as the nominations are made by the athletes of the OVA Beach Tour, the peers of the individual.

Since 2004, the OVA has honoured the late Jason Senechal with the award to help his spirit live on and in hopes for athletes to follow Jason’s lead by encouraging the qualities of honour, fair play and good sportsmanship.

In his time on the OVA Beach Tour, Jason managed to make a tremendous impact on all participants including athletes, parents, OVA Staff and Crew. With this award we aim to encourage all the values that Jason personified.

Jason’s athleticism, skill and dedication to excellence helped him excel in volleyball throughout his high school career and beyond. Jason’s talent also allowed him to excel in downhill skiing, badminton and table tennis. While playing on the OVA Beach Tour, Jason was able to capture a Provincial Championship and place 3rd at the National Championships.

Jason’s accomplishments go beyond podium finishes. He was involved with Athletes In Action doing outreach volleyball camps. Jason also had the opportunity to compete in Thailand while teaching volleyball to children.

Deadline for 2025 Jason Senechal Memorial Award nominations is July 20th, 2025 at 11:59pm 

INDOOR ATHLETE AWARDS

EVELYN HOLICK AWARD

Presented annually at the Ontario Championships to a female Youth Division athlete who demonstrates the qualities of determination, leadership, athletic ability, sportsmanship and fair play.

History: Throughout her years on the volleyball scene, Evelyn Holick (1930-2006) accomplished many firsts in her life. Evelyn was the first female "National" level official in Ontario. She was the Head Coach for Ontario's first Women's Provincial Team in the first Canada Games. Her accomplishments and commitment to volleyball established Evelyn as the first role model for female athletes, coaches and officials in the Province.

KEN DAVIES MEMORIAL AWARD

Presented annually at the Ontario Championships to a male Youth Division athlete who best demonstrates the qualities of determination, leadership, athletic ability, sportsmanship and fair play.

History: The Ken Davies Memorial Award is one of the most prestigious awards given by the OVA, and the one that is closest to our hearts. As the years go by Ken Davies remains in our memory as powerful as ever. A native of Kendal, Ontario, Ken's outstanding athletic abilities allowed him to excel in many sports. He was an MVP on his soccer, basketball and volleyball teams, as well as Athlete of the Year at Clarke H.S. in Newcastle. He was chosen to Team Ontario for the 1989 Canada Games in Saskatoon which, as he put it, "was the dream of a lifetime". According to his coach, "he was a quietly intense and dedicated worker. He was one of the most unselfish and coachable athletes I have ever worked with." Shortly after the Canada Games Ken was returning home from a tournament when his life was tragically taken from him by a drunk driver.  

Following the incident, the Athletes Prayer below was found on his bedside table.

*All nominations for the 2026 Ken Davies or Evelyn Holick Award must be submitted by February 26th, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered.

MIKE BUGARSKI MALE COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

Presented annually to an outstanding male coach for his success in the previous season and for his contribution to the development of our sport in Ontario.

History: Mike Bugarski (1936-1992) was a club coach, National Official, Provincial Official’s Chair, clinician, and high school coach. He was a volunteer that unselfishly contributed thousands of hours to the development of athletes and leaders in the sport for more than two decades.

SANDY SILVER FEMALE COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

Presented annually to an outstanding female coach for her success in the previous season and for her contribution to the development of our sport in Ontario.

History: With selfless dedication and unwavering leadership, Sandy Silver has prevailed for more than 40 years as an outstanding athlete, volunteer, coach, mentor and administrator. A major contributor to female sports reaching increased levels of funding, social advancement and acclaim, Silver’s steadfast dedication to her athletes and to gender equity continues to be inspiring both nationally and internationally. Silver’s coaching positions have included Seneca College, York University (CIAU silver medalists), UBC (CIAU bronze medalists) and Assistant Coach for Canada’s National Women’s Team. Sandy Silver was inducted into the Builder category of the Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame in 2013 and we’re proud to claim her as one of Ontario’s finest!

DEVELOPMENT COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

Presented annually to two outstanding coaches (one female, one male) for their history in developing junior athletes/teams within the OVA and for his/her contribution to the development of the sport of volleyball in the province.

*All nominations for the 2026 Coaching Awards must be submitted by February 26th, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered.

Awarded to a corporation, or partner of the OVA that has made significant contributions to the Association and/or its programs. These Awards are not up for nomination as they are presented from the OVA, however if you have some input into a worthy candidate, please email awards@ontariovolleyball.org with your information.  

SYLVIA JAKSETIC FEMALE OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

Presented annually to a female official who has had a great impact on the promotion and development of both officials and volleyball for the OVA at the regional, provincial and/or national level.

History: Sylvia Jaksetic (1958 – 2012) was an exceptional National Volleyball Referee and International Beach Volleyball Referee with a profound passion for the sport whether it occurred on hardwood or on the sand. Encompassing more than 25 years of combined experience, she could be found refereeing in any province in Canada or on the international beaches of the FIVB World Volleyball Beach Tour. Administratively, Jaksetic served as a regional assignor, certified clinician and Regional and Provincial Officials’ Chair. Sylvia Jaksetic was a friend, a mentor and the truly rare kind of official that everyone from the athletes to the event organizers were able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing Sylvia would be on the stand.

OFFICIALS' COMMITTEE AWARD OF MERIT

Established in 1998 and presented by the Officials' Committee in recognition of dedicated service to officiating in Ontario. The nominee must demonstrate dedication, skill, an affirmative attitude and be recognized by their peers as having a positive influence as a certified OVA Official.

*All nominations for the 2026 Officials Awards must be submitted by February 26th, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered.

NOMINATION FORM COMING SOON

DIANE WOOD SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Presented to an individual to recognize an outstanding contribution to volleyball at the provincial level for 15 years or more.

History: Diane Wood is the kind of volunteer who coordinated adult competitive leagues (8 divisions and more than 100 teams) from her pre-computer-era kitchen table! Since the late 60’s, Diane has established herself as a 40 year(!!) tireless, world-class volunteer, a athlete of 25 years, a National Referee, a Provincial Official’s Chair, a founding member of the Scarborough Solars Volleyball Club in the 70’s, a member of the organizing committee for the first Canadian FIVB beach volleyball event, and an almost 20 year employee at the OVA. Diane began full-time work for the OVA as a program coordinator and retired from her position as Executive Director in 2005. Truly world class!

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Presented to an individual who has had an impact on volleyball development at the regional or provincial level for 10 years or more.

RECOGNITION AWARD

Presented to an individual who has been involved in the development of volleyball at the club or provincial level for 5 years or more.

*All nominations for the 2026 OVAtions Service Awards must be submitted by February 26th, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD

Presented to the individual/team that is engaged in volunteer activities and make a real difference in their community.

DOUG ROBBIE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Presented to the individual who had a great impact on the promotion and development of volleyball for the OVA at the regional or provincial level in the past year.

History: Doug Robbie was OVA President (1976-1984), Treasurer, National Official, clinician, club coach, former Volunteer of the Year, served on the Region 5 Executive, Volleyball Canada President, and he was the Vice President of the NORCECA zone.

*All nominations for the 2026 Volunteer Awards must be submitted by February 26th, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered.

NOMINATION FORM COMING SOON

*All nominations for the 2026 Volunteer Awards must be submitted by February 26th, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered.

NOMINATION FORM COMING SOON