The Aquatic Federation of Canada (AFC) announced today it Annual Awards Recipients following its Annual General Meeting on November 10th, 2010 in Ottawa. The AFC is the voice for the Olympic aquatic sports, Diving, Swimming, Synchro and Water Polo, both domestically and internationally, and the vehicle for cooperative initiatives in order to improve our members sports’ development and results.

“As we celebrate all the great achievements and outstanding accomplishments of Canadian Aquatic Sport athletes this year, the Aquatic Federation of Canada also wishes to give special recognition to those individuals that have supported our athletes and contributed to these successes”, said AFC President Bill Hogan.

“On behalf of Aquatic Federation of Canada, I would like to congratulate all the recipients of the 2010 AFC Annual Awards, those athletes, coaches and volunteers that have represented our country at the highest level on the world stage this past year.”

The AFC Awards recipients are:

Male Athlete of the Year - Alexandre Despatie (Diving)
Alexandre’s outstanding achievements of winning the 3 Gold medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, was the highlight of his competition year. This achievement alone establishes him as one of the most successful Canadian athlete to ever compete at the Commonwealth Games. No other athlete in any other sport has been as dominant as he has been in the history of the Games.

Female Athlete of the Year - Marie Pier Boudreau Gagnon (Synchro)
Marie is a true role model, having been consistently on the podium at every international solo or duet competition this year. Her two gold medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in both solo and duet, the Silver medal at the Japan Open, and the Bronze and Silver medals at the World Cup, all attest to her superior skills and elite achievements on the international synchronized swimming scene.

Team of the Year – Synchro Canada’s National AA Team
We are proud to give these athletes recognition for their consistently high finishes internationally in team, solo, and duet performances at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the World Cup, and the Japan Open. On the international scene, Canada’s Synchronized Swimming National Team is being singled out for their dedication, energy, and superior achievements in attaining their high world ranking this past year.

Coach of the Year – Julie Sauvé
Julie is being recognized for her dedication and professionalism as evident in her return from retirement to help rebuild Synchro Canada’s successful reputation on the international stage. She coached athletes to Gold medal performances at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, to Silver at the Japan Open, and Bronze medals at the World Cup. Her ability to motivate athletes has been a proven success story in the development of Synchronized Swimming in Canada.

Media Award of the Year: Marc Tougas (La Press Canadienne)
This award is given to a person or organization involved in a media-related field who has made a significant contribution to elevating the positive coverage and profile of the AFC collectively and/or its member sports. Marc is being named in recognition of his commitment in research and constant presence at aquatic competitions, especially in his coverage of aquatics at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Spirit of AFC Award – Brian Johnson
This award is given to an individual who has made a unique contribution to aquatic sports and has achieved an exemplary level of sportsmanship and leadership in making a significant impact on aquatics. Brian, in addition to his position as president of Swimming/Natation Canada, contributed in a significant way to the AFC in spending countless volunteer hours in guiding the direction of Canada’s contribution to international constitutional reform in aquatics.

President’s Honor Roll - Saul Marks
This award is given at the discretion of the President with input from the AFC Board of Directors. In granting this award to Saul, we acknowledge his significant contribution in supporting the mission, vision and goals of the Aquatic Federation of Canada. We recognize his leadership role as Honorary Secretary of the FINA Sports Medicine Committee, as well as his tireless efforts and relentless passion for aquatics.