Some of the graduating Huskies celebrate their successes. Vadim Halimov, fourth from left, received a whopping 12 awards for his basketball skills. Photo: Brittany Barber/The Dialog
George Brown College (GBC) hosted the 45th Annual Blue Carpet Athletics Banquet to award and honour the outstanding dedication and persistence shown by the GBC athletes.
The banquet held on April 4, at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel saw the guests quickly filling the room, finding friends to reflect on their season and to enjoy a night to dress up, win awards & prizes, and party with the teammates they’ve come to know so well.
The night featured many special guests such as Amy Williams, a GBC alumni graduating from sport and event marketing program in 2006 who has gone on to manage Canadian Olympic Committee accounts that include Royal Bank of Canada, Adidas and General Mills.
Michael Chan, Ontario’s minister of tourism, culture and sport and minister responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games was also present.
Perdita Felicien a world champion, Olympic competitor and a Pan Am Games medalist said in her speech, “Whatever you are going through in life, you’re inspiring someone. Whenever you decide to pack up your athletic career, always think about how you can give back.”
Felicein shared personal stories to show her courage and strength. “Don’t just me an MVP in sport, but in life,” said Felicien.
Vadim Halimov, a name GBC has recognized countless times within the recent basketball season made his mark in his graduating year at GBC.
After receiving 12 major awards at the gala, it looked like Halimov needed a suitcase to carry his awards home.
Not only did Hamilov receive metals and plaques but he was also given the game-winning ball from the end of the season game against his former school, Seneca College where he broke three records – all-time scoring, all-time season scoring and free throws.
Halimov expressed his gratitude with a short speech, thanking everyone who made his career such a success, “Coach [Jonathan Smith] made me the player I am today, and without you I wouldn’t have any [awards]”. This basketball all-star won the title of men’s athlete of the year next to Aria Charles, who won women’s athlete of the year.
Patricia Niengue won the female rookie of year while John Luu bagged the male rookie of the year award for their outstanding and consistent performances in volleyball.
The Michael “Pinball” Clemons award went to Rana Aziz (soccer); Student Association athletic award for excellence in academics went to Andria Valente (soccer) while the men’s award was shared between Kyle Taitt (soccer) and Mitchell Visser (distance runner).
Edwin Sheon (volleyball) was awarded the KC fitness award. Vane Kuzmanov, Lenore Johnson and Bonnie Tran got the contribution to athletics award.
