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.

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.  

Below you will find:

• an athlete’s prayer that was found by Ken Davies bedside when he died.
• A list of past recipients 

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.

Download the list of past recipients below.

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. Making this Award all the more special is the fact that it is voted on by one's peers, the athletes of the OVA Beach Tour.

CHILD AND HEESE TROPHY

Presented annually to the Men's & Women's Provincial Champions in Beach Volleyball Tier I.

History: John Child and Mark Heese were bronze medalists in beach volleyball at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and competed in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics. They developed their interest and skills in volleyball through the OVA indoor club program and went on to great success on the beach. They both now coach in the OVA indoor club system.

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.

Download the Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form below.

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!

Download the Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form Below.

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.

Download the Male/Female Nomination Criteria and Nomination Forms below.

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.

Download the Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form below.

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

Download the Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form below.

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!

Download the Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form below.

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

Download the Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form below.

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

Download the Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form below.

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.

Download the Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form below.

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.

Download the Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form below.

Awarded to a corporation, or partner of the OVA that has made significant contributions to the Association and/or its programs.