November 05, 2017 (Milton, ON) – It was a full house at the 18th annual OCA Celebration and Awards held at the Veneto Centre in Woodbridge, ON on Saturday, Nov. 4. Guests mingled and shared a glass as they celebrated many of the province’s talented riders who received the association’s annual awards to honour their performances this past season.

Sue Markus, of BMX coaching fame, was MC and entertained the packed banquet hall as proud parents and fans applauded the award winners while guests and delegates enjoyed a fabulous sit-down dinner.

Top riders in attendance included Peter Disera, Jennifer Jackson, Jordann Jones, Bayley Simpson, Katherine Maine and many more along with rising stars and many youth riders as well.

Highlights of the evening included a tribute to the Canada Summer Games team who took to the stage for a Q&A with Markus. Riders spoke of the camaraderie and special feelings only the Games can bring. Jackson made a presentation to Michael Suraci from the OCA as a “thank you” for the all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

Frank Mazzuca from the Veneto Cycling Club received the 2017 OCA Board of Directors Special Recognition for his passion and “always yes” attitude. The Veneto Centre is also home to the Veneto Cycling Club.

Raffle prizes put smiles on many faces with all money raised supporting OCA youth cycling initiatives. Sean Ruppel from Super Fly Racing gave away a Scott bike to happy winner, Mason Prata as the evening came to a close.

2017 Annual OCA Cycling Celebration – Award Winners

2017 Road Male Athlete of the Year
Matteo Dal-Cin

2017 Road Female Athlete of the Year
Katherine Maine

2017 Road Organizer of the Year
Bike Race Ottawa

2017 Mountain Bike Male Athlete of the Year
Peter Disera

2017 Mountain Bike Female Athlete of the Year
Emily Batty

2017 Mountain Bike Organizer of the Year
Pulse Racing

2017 Mountain Bike Contributor of the Year
David Clark

2017 Tim DaSilva BMX Athlete of the Year * Dragonfly Logo
Josh Samells

2017 Track Female Athlete of the Year
Amelia Walsh

2017 Track Male Athlete of the Year
Derek Gee
Adam Jamieson
Bayley Simpson

2017 Cyclocross Athlete of the Year
Gunnar Holmgren

2017 OCA Board of Directors Special Recognition
Canada Summer Games Team
Liam Mulcahy
Brody Sanderson
Dana Gilligan
Soren Meeuwisse
Jenn Jackson
Jordann Jones
Timothy Austen
Trevor O’Donnell
Noah Simms
Adam Lefebvre
Ruby West
Katherine Maine
Kaitlyn Rauwerda
Hillary Lowry
Emily Marcolini
Julia Farell
Alana Ziobroski
Murray Solem
Gunnar Holmgren
Sean Kelly

2017 OCA Volunteer of the Year
Bill Frier

2017 OCA Board of Directors Special Recognition
Frank Mazzuca