{"id":1574,"date":"2025-05-27T23:50:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T23:50:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/racquetballcanada.ca\/pei\/2025\/05\/27\/racquetball-canada-honours-volunteers-and-athletes-at-2025-national-awards-banquet\/"},"modified":"2025-05-28T00:01:21","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T00:01:21","slug":"racquetball-canada-honours-volunteers-and-athletes-at-2025-national-awards-banquet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racquetballcanada.ca\/pei\/2025\/05\/27\/racquetball-canada-honours-volunteers-and-athletes-at-2025-national-awards-banquet\/","title":{"rendered":"Racquetball Canada Honours Volunteers and Athletes at 2025 National Awards Banquet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Racquetball Canada proudly recognized outstanding volunteers and athletes for their significant contributions and accomplishments at the 2025 National Championships Awards Banquet<\/strong>, held on Saturday, May 24 in Burlington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hall of Fame Induction<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Adrian Webb<\/strong> of Cambridge, Ontario was inducted into the Racquetball Canada Hall of Fame<\/strong> in the Builder Category<\/em>. Webb has dedicated decades of service to racquetball at the local, provincial, and national levels, including over 30 years on boards and committees. As Ontario\u2019s Provincial Representative and as Racquetball Canada\u2019s Tournament Director and Drawmaster, Webb played an instrumental role in organizing and delivering national events, enhancing the athlete experience, and contributing to the sport\u2019s professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to his long-time volunteer leadership, Webb served as Host Chair for numerous National Championships, Junior National Championships, and Selection Events, including the 2014 World Championships. He also led as Commissioner of the former Canadian Pro-Am Racquetball Tour and organized several professional tour events in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also honoured during the ceremony was Mike Green<\/strong> of Hamilton, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022 in the Athlete Category<\/em> but was unable to attend at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Racquetball Canada Awards<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

President\u2019s Award<\/strong>:<\/em> Recognizing exceptional contributions that advance Racquetball Canada\u2019s mission.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clifford Hood<\/strong> (Yarmouth, NS)
Hood joined the Board of Directors in 2019 during a period of transition as Racquetball Canada shifted from an operational to a governance-focused board. Cliff played a crucial role in guiding this transformation, helping the organization meet Sport Canada requirements and strengthen its governance framework. As a key member of the Nominating and Governance Committee, he has been a trusted legal advisor and a steady resource, offering guidance on policy, selection criteria, and organizational integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Susan Livingston Award<\/strong>: Honouring those who inspire, empower, and motivate girls and women in racquetball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ontario Women\u2019s Racquetball Group<\/strong>
The Ontario Women\u2019s Racquetball Group is a dedicated and passionate collective that has worked tirelessly to create inclusive, welcoming, and safe spaces where women, girls, and gender-diverse participants can discover, participate in, and grow within the sport of racquetball. Through thoughtful programming, impactful mentorship, and strong community outreach, the group is expanding participation and fostering a meaningful sense of belonging across the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innovation Award<\/strong>:<\/em> Recognizing creativity and leadership in making a lasting impact on racquetball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trevor Bazilio <\/strong>(Toronto, Ontario)
Toronto\u2019s Trevor Bazilio and Steve Turner were named co-recipients of the award. A forty-year racquetball veteran, Bazilio was instrumental in sustaining Toronto\u2019s only active league and managing two long-standing tournaments, The Charlie and Iron Man events, named in memory of cherished racquetball community members. These tournaments have raised thousands of dollars for cancer and heart and stroke research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steven Turner<\/strong> (Toronto, Ontario)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steve Turner, a thirty-year player, assumed leadership from Bazilio in 2021. Since then, he has expanded the program to include accessible Learn to Play initiatives. By prioritizing affordability and removing financial barriers, Steve has opened racquetball to a broader community. He also launched Toronto\u2019s newest tournament, The Toronto Classic, bringing new energy and visibility to the sport in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marc Caouette Award<\/strong>:<\/em> Celebrating coaches who significantly impact youth aged 21U.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kurtis Cullen<\/strong> (Brandon, MB)
Brandon\u2019s Kurtis Cullen has built a strong and sustainable junior racquetball program in his hometown. His impact is visible both on the court and in the increasing number of athletes from Brandon competing at the Junior National Championships. When the program was struggling, Kurtis stepped in to re-energize the local board and took on the role of head coach. His structured approach to Learn to Play programs, along with his implementation of the Badge Program, has created a clear and engaging development pathway that keeps young athletes involved and returning season after season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provincial Awards<\/strong>:<\/em> Recognizing sport leaders nominated by each province for exceptional contributions at the provincial level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n