AKWESASNE, Ontario (May 19, 2010)

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is pleased to announce the National and Regional winners of the 2009 Tom Longboat and National Aboriginal Coaching awards.

In the fall of each year, the ASC circulates a national invitation to Aboriginal communities, education institutions, Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial sport bodies to nominate outstanding individuals for the Tom Longboat and Coaching Awards. These prestigious awards honour the accomplishments of amateur athletes and coaches of Aboriginal ancestry for 2009. Recognizing the achievements of Aboriginal athletes and coaches from coast-to-coast is important to Aboriginal people. Celebrating the successes of deserving athletes and sport leaders is a priority of the Aboriginal Sport Circle.

Winners of the awards demonstrate excellence through athletic and coaching achievements. Coaching recipients are recognized for their ongoing community development through leadership and dedication as well as fostering holistic development in their own lives as well as the lives of the athletes they coach. Longboat recipients are recognized for their commitment to athletic development, fair play and sportsmanship, holistic balance and also by giving back to their communities.

2010 marks the 103rd anniversary of legendary marathon runner Tom Longboat’s amazing Boston Marathon victory in 1907.

Quote from George ‘Tex’ Marshall, ASC Chair - “On behalf of our ASC Elders, Board of Directors and staff we would like to express our sincere congratulations to our National Tom Longboat award winners and National Coaching award recipients as well as all regional recipients. You are all to be commended for your great accomplishments as role models to all Aboriginal youth, and the great things you have done for our people is a testament to your passion, desire and commitment to excel. For this, we honor you all. May the Great Spirit of our Creator continue to guide you in your journey towards success.”

A national selection committee representing the Aboriginal Sport Community has selected the top male and female national recipients for each category. The ASC is pleased to announce the 2009 National Aboriginal Tom Longboat and Coaching Award recipients:

2009 Tom Longboat National Award recipients -

Male recipient: Ammon Crowfoot, Basketball - Alberta

Female recipient: Bridgette Lacquette, Ice Hockey - Manitoba

2009 National Aboriginal Coaching Award recipients -

Male recipient: Courage Bear, Ice Hockey - Saskatchewan

Female recipient: Gloria Hendrick-Laliberte, Soccer/Softball/Track & Field - Ontario

For list of

2009 Tom Longboat Award Regional Winners – Male & Female and 2009 Coaching Award Regional Winners – Male & Female go to http://www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca