This year, the opportunity to nominate an exemplary athlete, team or coach is coming to a close. The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 30 at 4 p.m.

Do you know a coach who not only demonstrates respect toward their players and officials, but also promotes positive sport behaviour and fair play? Do they provide a significant contribution to the community and demonstrate a positive image in the role of a coach?

The winners of the Coach of the Year award need these qualities to appear on the ballot. Since 2001, Bracebridge has been recognizing excellence in coaching, starting with Louise Hammond and Greg Black in its initial year, and ending with Warren Brownlee just last June. Recognize a coach who has made a difference. They’ll thank you for it.

Jim Quigley was an extraordinary individual. Although he was born with a physical impairment, he actively participated in sports such as hockey and baseball. Even after a devastating car crash left him greatly paralyzed on his right side, he continued to stay active as a goal judge and an umpire. Jim died three weeks after a second car crash in 1976. He was 42 years old.

The Jim Quigley Memorial Award is bestowed each year in his honour. The tradition started in 1977 with Ken Hawthorn, an avid skier. Over the years, many athletes have been recognized. In 1982, John Hiley was recognized for track and rowing; four years later Special Olympian Greg Waite was honoured. In 2003, for the first time, there were two recipients of the award: Erin Thorne and Ian Dickie, for their skills in golf and track, respectively. Just last year Carlene Allen was recognized for her gymnastics skills. From skiing and skating to soccer and even arm wrestling, athletes have been bequeathed the memorial with pride and appreciation.

If you know an outstanding athlete who demonstrates good character, is a credit to the community, excels in their chosen sport, and who has good conduct both on and off the playing surface, nominate them. Let the community recognize them for the talent they have and the shining person they are.

Teamwork is a vital life skill and those who learn it on the sporting field (or rink) are fortunate indeed. Since its inauguration in 2002, the Team of the Year has been presented to the Bracebridge Men’s Fast Ball team, the Precision Skating division of the Bracebridge Blades, the Juvenile Hockey team, Girls Under 16 Soccer team, and the BMLSS Lakers Boys Hockey. These teams all exhibited — both individually and as a group — good conduct on and off the playing surface, good character and were credits to the community. If you know a team exhibiting these same traits, recognize them.

Last year there was no winner. Although there are many exceptional and commendable teams in Bracebridge, there were no nominations.

There is still time to get your nominations in, and you can do so by visiting Bracebridge Sportsplex or call 645-3037 before 4 p.m. on May 30. Presentation of the awards will be on June 18 at the Bracebridge town council meeting.