Celebrating Athletic Excellence: Two Surrey Champions Shine at the Sport BC Awards
On March 5, 2026, the vibrant city of Vancouver played host to the 58th annual Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards, where two remarkable young men from Surrey took center stage. This event, emceed by the esteemed CBC broadcaster Scott Russell, recognized the outstanding achievements of British Columbia’s amateur athletes, coaches, teams, and officials for their exceptional performances over the past year.
Praise Aniamaka: Rising Star in Track and Field
Among the awardees was Surrey’s own Praise Aniamaka, who claimed the title of Junior Male Athlete of the Year. Aniamaka had a phenomenal season, punctuated by a remarkable victory in the triple jump at the U23 Junior Pan American Games. His leap of 16.94 meters not only secured the gold medal but also broke a long-standing 37-year Canadian record, showcasing his extraordinary talent and skill in this technically demanding sport.
His accolades didn’t stop there; he also triumphed at the Senior Canadian National Championships, where he soared to a winning jump of 16.50 meters. Aniamaka’s impressive ranking—first both provincially and nationally at U23 and senior levels, and 29th internationally—attests to years of hard work and dedication. His achievements reflect not only his athletic prowess but also his resilience—a quality that resonates deeply within the athletic community.
Lowan Le Bris: A Judo Prodigy
Equally impressive is Lowan Le Bris, who earned the accolade of Youth Male Athlete of the Year. The young judo competitor had an outstanding 2025 season, achieving gold medals at key events including the Pacific International Championships, the Canadian Open National Championships, and the Montreal Pan American Cadet Cup. His talent was further highlighted by a commendable fifth-place finish at the Cadet World Championships, solidifying his reputation as one of Canada’s premier judo athletes.
Ranked fourth on the International Judo Federation’s Cadet World Ranking List, Le Bris holds the top national spot for U18 male competitors. His exceptional performance across multiple age categories not only earned him individual honors from Judo Canada and Judo BC as the 2025 U18 Male Athlete of the Year but also speaks volumes about his potential to shape the future of judo in Canada.
A Moment of Recognition for All Athletes
The Sport BC Awards celebrate not just the champions, but the vibrant tapestry of amateur sports in British Columbia. Rob Newman, president and CEO of Sport BC, underscored the inspiration found in the stories of the finalists and winners. He expressed gratitude to the Province of B.C. and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport for their vital support, acknowledging the collective efforts that go into nurturing talent across the province.
Diverse Awards Highlighting Various Categories
The ceremony acknowledged a wide range of talent from across the province. Among the notable mentions were Shalaya Valenzuela, who won the I-SPARC Female Athlete of the Year for her contributions to rugby, and Fynn McCarthy, honored as the I-SPARC Male Athlete of the Year in volleyball. In addition, the awards celebrated achievements in disability sports, with Elise Froese recognized for her excellence in wheelchair basketball, and Thomas Venos highlighted for wheelchair tennis.
Emerging talents at the high school level were also honored, with awards going to Adrianna Buitelaar in athletics and Elijah Black for male athlete accolades. Meanwhile, the Junior Female Athlete of the Year award went to Elly Hoskin, recognized for her achievements in cycling and mountain biking.
Special Awards Acknowledging Notable Contributions
Additional acknowledgments included the Harry Jerome Comeback Award presented to Larissa Franklin for her perseverance in softball, and the Daryl Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award awarded to Terrie Moore, who has made significant contributions across multiple sports. The event also featured the BC Women and Sport Recognition Awards, celebrating the contributions of inspiring female athletes such as Cathy Astofooroff in snowboarding and Savanna Smith in lacrosse.
A Grand Celebration of Sport in B.C.
The Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards serve as a reminder of the dedication and resilience exhibited by athletes at all levels throughout British Columbia. From breakthrough performances on the international stage to community-level achievements, these awards embody the spirit of sport, fostering pride in local talent and inspiring future generations to pursue their passions relentlessly.