April 25, 2008 – Martin Sharpe, winner of the Syl Apps Special Achievement Award last night at the 2007 Ontario Sport Awards in Toronto, has been an instrumental part of the Ontario and Canadian BMX Race scene for over 10 years. The annual awards honour 46 athletes, coaches, teams, including corporate citations, special achievement, and lifetime awards.

Starting out as a regular parent volunteer in 1999, Sharpe saw the need for more intense and qualified officiating programs for the people that were showing an interest. He took on the challenge and started to memorize the UCI/CCA and NBL rule books and earned his Provincial C Status. Always looking to improve himself, Sharpe continually educated himself and officiated at National Championships and became Ontario’s Chief Commissaire. During this time he was teaching new commissaires on his own time and on his own dime.

After perfecting the National Commissaire course, and receiving his Provincial Course Conductors certification, Sharpe had two years to prove himself so that he could he take the UCI-level exam and be accepted into the program.

During this time, he officiated as an Asst. Chief at four UCI events and Chief at every O-Cup in Ontario, and was even requested by BC and Quebec to chief some of their events.

His outstanding reputation as a fair and impartial chief has gained him the respect of the BMX Race community Canada and USA Wide. Samantha Cools, Canada’s Olympic prospect has told the OCA that “once the pros know that Martin is running the race, they know that the race will be fair, fun and on time! He is one of the most respected officials I know, he always has a good word for each athlete, but at the same time applies the rules consistently.” This was very evident at the UCI races in Kingston and Crabree, QC where the elite racers made a point of thanking him after the events for a great race and for the respect that he gives to all riders, amateur and pro.

In 2007, Martin’s dreams were realized when he aced the UCI Commissaire Exam and was the first Ontario BMX Commissaire ever to reach the UCI level. His ambitions now include chief’ing the Worlds and being assigned to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“He is most definitely my right hand in Ontario, and is a man that does he duties because he loves it . . . not because he has to,” said the OCA’s Nicky Peason, BMX Growth and Development.

For a list of 2007 Ontario Sport Awards award recipients click here.