INNISFAIL – The town is seeking citizens’ nominations for the 2021 Community Awards.
Last year, the town handed out seven awards for 2020 during two separate Innisfail council meetings in February and March, a presentation measure made necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For many years up until the start of the pandemic the town hosted a gala event in the fall for the Community Awards at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion. The annual Business Awards, sponsored by the Innisfail and District Chamber of Commerce, was also held during the same gala.
The plan this year for the Community Awards ceremony is still being worked out by a committee. No awards presentation dates have been decided but the committee is meeting in early March to work on details.
However, while there were seven awards handed out in 2021 there will be just six this year, with the best male or female athlete now just one award.
Kane Williams, the town’s recreation program coordinator, said the town is accepting nominations online at www.innisfail.ca/community-awards/.
“We are encouraging Innisfail to celebrate their own and to nominate citizens in each category,” said Williams, noting the deadline is Feb. 28. “We are not going to have an event. We are looking at ways to recognize the winners.
“All of our council meetings are livestreamed. That will be available to the public if they want to watch the award winners,” he added. "We really do want to recognize the people in our community that do exceptional things in Innisfail. We want people to think about who needs to be recognized.”
This 2021 Community Awards will be handed out by the Town of Innisfail in recognition to citizens who contribute on an exceptional level to the overall community.
These six awards include:
Coach Recognition - A person who has coached in Innisfail a minimum of two years and has demonstrated a commitment to athlete and sports development in the community, team success, individual athletic development and success, and demonstrated integrity and leadership.
Male Athlete or Female Athlete - A local male athlete or female athlete who demonstrated excellence in athletics, received recognition for achievements, competed at a local, regional, provincial or national level.
Sports Team - A local sports team that has demonstrated excellence in athletics, received recognition for achievements and competed at a local, regional, provincial or national level.
Leaders of Tomorrow - A student enrolled in full-time studies who resides within the Innisfail area, provides outstanding contribution to their community through volunteerism, and inspires others to give back to the community.
Community Arts & Culture - An individual or organization that provides arts and culture activities/opportunities for the community and participated in art and culture activities at a local, regional, provincial or national level.
Citizen of the Year - Through volunteerism, an individual who provides distinguished voluntary service which has had a significant impact on the community, a minimum of five years of continuous voluntary service and made outstanding contributions to the community which positively impacts the quality of life in Innisfail through his/her commitment, skills, outreach, support and leadership.
