January 18, 2006 – Sport BC is pleased to announce its finalists for the annual Athlete of the Year Awards. Winners will be announced at the 40th annual Athlete of the Year Awards banquet on Wednesday, March 8 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver.

This year’s event will mark the fortieth year for the Athlete of the Year Awards, the longest-running sport recognition event in the country. Awards in sixteen different categories are given for performances during the past year. Finalists are chosen through a confidential voting process by a select committee of media and sport representatives from around the province.

“It’s never an easy task to narrow down the finalists,” says Sport BC President and Chief Executive Officer Sandra Stevenson. “In fact, with the growth of sport in the province, the list of nominees becomes more competitive each year. “

2005 Junior Female Athlete of the Year Award
– Micayla Gatto, Mountain Biking
– Sue Kim, Golf
– Kirsten Sweetland, Triathlon

Cycling BC would like to congratulate Micayla for an outstanding season, and wishes her continued success in the coming year!

A complete list of Award Nominees can be viewed here.