The OVA is now accepting nominations for the 2021 OVAtion Awards. We invite and encourage all registered OVA members to submit nominations for the Ontario Volleyball Service and Athlete Awards and for Clubs to submit their nominations for the OVA Award of Excellence and Club Recognition Awards.
The deadline for nominations is Sunday, March 28, 2021.
Each year the OVA honours individuals in the Ontario Volleyball community who have distinguished themselves by providing their time, effort, and support to the promotion and development of volleyball in the province. We are currently seeking nominations for recipients of the following awards:
Athlete Awards
Ken Davies Memorial Award (1 award)
This award is presented annually to a Youth Division indoor male OVA-registered athlete who best demonstrates the qualities of determination, leadership, athletic ability, sportsmanship and fair play. The award’s namesake, Ken Davies was an outstanding athlete who excelled in many other sports outside of volleyball. A Team Ontario selection for the 1989 Canada Games, his life was tragically cut short due to a drunk driver upon his return home from a tournament. The recipient of the Award will receive $1,000 towards their training.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Evelyn Holick Award (1 Award)
This award is presented annually to a Youth Division indoor female OVA-registered athlete who demonstrates the qualities of determination, leadership, athletic ability, sportsmanship and fair play. Named after an Ontario volleyball pioneer, Evelyn Holick (1930-2006) is regarded as the first role model for Ontario female volleyball athletes, coaches and referees through her achievements in all three branches. Such accomplishments include being the Head Coach of Ontario’s first Women’s Provincial team in the inaugural Canada Games and being the first female National level referee in the province. The recipient of the Award will receive $1,000 towards their training.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Scarborough Solars Award (2 Awards)
Awarded to two OVA-registered athletes (one male and one female) to assist their pursuit of their volleyball dreams, the Scarborough Solars Award recipients have – or have demonstrated the ability to - represented Ontario and/or Canada in international indoor or beach volleyball competitions. The awards will be no more than $1,000 or no less than $500 per athlete.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Service Awards
Diane Wood Special Achievement Award
The recipient of this Award is an individual who has made significant contributions to volleyball at the provincial level for 15 years or more. With a body of work dating back to the 1960’s, Diane Wood is the embodiment of a world-class volunteer. A player of 25-years, National Referee, Provincial Referee Chair and Club founder, she had worked tirelessly to develop the sport of volleyball in Ontario and help coordinate its showcase at the international level through her involvement on the organizing committee for the first FIVB beach volleyball event in Canada.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Achievement Award
The nominee of the Achievement Award must be an individual who has made significant strides within the sport of volleyball for over a minimum of 10 years. To be eligible for this Award, the individual must have received the OVA Recognition Award.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Recognition Award
The nominee of the Recognition Award honours those who has been involved in the development of volleyball at the club (beach or indoor) or regional or provincial level as an administrator (OVA committee work, Officials, or Coach development, etc.,) for 5 years or more.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Mike Bugarski Male Coach of the Year Award (1 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. Named after the OVA Hall of Fame Inductee, Mike Bugarski (1936-1992) was a Club coach, National referee, Provincial Referee Chair, clinician, and high school Coach; a volunteer that unselfishly contributed thousands of hours to the development of athletes and leaders in the sport for more than two decades.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Sandy Silver Female Coach of the Year (1 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. Spanning over a 40-year career, Sandy Silver (1950-2019) was major contributor to female sports for reaching increased levels of funding, social advancement and acclaim. An accomplished coach, volunteer and mentor, Silver’s involvement in the Women’s National program and across various Ontario college and Canadian university programs has reaped no shortage of accolades. A Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame inductee, her legacy continues to inspire for the next generations.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Development Coach of the Year Award (2 Awards)
Presented annually to one outstanding OVA-registered male coach and one outstanding OVA-registered female coach for their history in developing junior athletes/ teams within the OVA and for their contributions to the development of the sport of volleyball in the province.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Community Engagement Award (1 Award)
The Community Engagement Award celebrates OVA members who are engaged in volunteer activities and make a real difference in their communities. Honouring the “everyday heroes”, the selfless contributions and initiatives created by OVA member volunteers in their communities are held up as examples of how OVA members can make a difference through volunteering. Though project/initiative scales may vary, the selection committee is looking for nominations that demonstrate meaningful impacts in the community in which OVA members play, learn and work.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Officials Award of Merit (1 Award)
Established in 1998 and presented by the Referee 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 Referee.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Sylvia Jaksetic Female Official of the Year Award (1 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. The Award’s namesake, Sylvia Jaksetic (1958 – 2012) was an exceptional National Volleyball Referee and International Beach Volleyball Referee with a profound passion for the sport. With 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. Off the stand, Jaksetic was a regional assignor, certified clinician, Quality Assurance Chair, and Regional and Provincial Referee Chair. A friend and mentor, when Jaksetic took the stand it was a presence of reassurance.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Award of Excellence
Awarded annually to one member of every 11U to 16U team, the Award of Excellence is decided by the coach of the Club team. Coaches are to select one player from their own team that displays dedication to volleyball, perseverance and commitment to the game, sportsmanship/leadership and performance. Criteria will vary from each coach, but coaches are to communicate to their team the reason behind their choice to recognize a particular athlete.
Due Date: March 28, 2021
Club Recognition Profile
Selected by the Club Executive or delegate, this recognition profile reflects one outstanding member of your club who in the past COVID season has embraced and exceeded the values and spirit of your club through an unquestionable desire and effort to support their team/members. This recognition is limited to one submission and we encourage each OVA-registered team to submit to your story to your club executive or delegate for final selection and submission to the OVA.
Due Date: May 3, 2021
Despite a lack of volleyball competition in 2020-21, the OVAtion Awards are rooted in the efforts and character of the recipient that go above and beyond the actions on the court. The criteria for this year's Awards will focus more heavily on the community service components. The past year has shown how exemplary the OVA membership is with its commitment to remain engaged through innovation and measures taken to support each other and the surrounding community with compassion. If you have noticed an individual who has stepped up to lead the charge or has selflessly strengthening team bonds through these difficult times, please submit their names so they are recognized and honoured.
The 2021 OVAtion Awards recipients will be announced online May 2021.
If you have any questions, contact OVA Membership Services Coordinator Chery Bennett at cbennett@ontariovolleyball.org.
For the full criteria and to view previous award winners, click here.
Thank you in advance for submitting nominations for the OVAtion Awards.
