The Western Ontario Athletic Association (W.O.A.A.) held its 79th Annual General Meeting, where several local figures were recognized for their contributions to the sports community.
Nancy Berwick of Teeswater was honoured with the prestigious Mike Weichel Honour Award, recognizing her many years of service at the Teeswater Arena, where she meticulously kept score, time, and clock. Berwick’s dedication was highly regarded, especially for her attention to detail with the old paper gamesheets. Her contributions were so significant that she was named one of the W.O.A.A.’s Sports Legends during their 75th anniversary.
The David H. Jacobi Memorial President’s Award went to Gary Gravett of Goderich. Alongside his wife Lynne, Gary contributed significantly to the W.O.A.A. over the years, including hosting the W.O.A.A. Celebrity Golf Tournament from 2003 to 2018.
McKenna Thomson from Lucknow was named the recipient of the Gravett Bursary Award. Although McKenna was away at school in Kitchener, the W.O.A.A. President will present the award next Saturday.
Rod Wieranga of Listowel received the Dave Garinger Memorial Minor Hockey Award for his outstanding service in the local hockey community. Over the past 12 years, Rod has served as Centre Contact and a member of the Listowel Minor Hockey Executive.
Additionally, the W.O.A.A. elected Len Perdue of Saugeen Shores as President, with Alex Neuman of Durham as 1st Vice President, and Don Shropshall of Clinton as 2nd Vice President. The board also welcomed new members Paul Sebastian, Brian Deitner, Steve Howson, and Chris Michie. Two additional board members will be appointed by the President and two by the Board.