The 2023 Saskatchewan Sport Awards will be celebrated with a gala on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Queensbury Convention Centre in Regina. The gala will honour the 12 Recognition Awards recipients, as well as announce the recipients of the six Excellence Awards and celebrate those named as finalists.  

The annual program celebrates the success and dedication of those in the province’s amateur sport community through two categories – Excellence Awards and Recognition Awards. The Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding event performances or a series of performances by a Saskatchewan athlete, coach or team within a given calendar year, while the Recognition Awards include the Volunteer and Coach Dedication Awards which honour individuals who have devoted their time and effort to the growth of sport in Saskatchewan.

Excellence Award Finalist - Female Athlete of the Year
SHELBY NEWKIRK

Nominated by Swim Saskatchewan

Set a new long–course Canadian Para swimming record in women’s 100-metre back S6 at the Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships and claimed three gold medals in national and international events

Excellence Award Finalist - Coach of the Year
RYAN JONES

Nominated by Swim Saskatchewan

Coached three Para swimmers to achieve the minimum qualifying standard for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, while leading an athlete to break a Canadian and Championship record in the 100-metre backstroke event

Coach Dedication Award Recipient
HAZEM HUSSEIN

Nominated by Prince Albert Sharks Swim Club and YMCA and supported by Swim Saskatchewan

Guiding his athletes to numerous medals, Hazem Hussein has led individuals and teams to achieve success in Canada and the UK. In recent competitions, Hazem guided a para-athlete to achieve exceptional growth in the last year, receiving four medals in the Canadian Western Championships and qualifying for finals at nationals. In 2013, Hazem’s Prince Albert Sharks Swim Club earned the prestigious title of the Top Club at the Junior Provincial Championship, highlighting the collective achievement of the entire team while under the guidance of Hazem. In addition to his coaching, Hazem seeks to educate others and has acted as keynote speaker at various facilities including, Canadian Swimming Coaches Association, the University of Saskatchewan, Sports Medicine & Science Council of Saskatchewan and Terry Fox College. Hazem has a PhD in Sport Physiology and obtained a Post Doctorate in molecular exercise physiology. He can pull from his academic achievements when guiding his athletes and other aspiring coaches.

Coach Dedication Award Recipient
JASON CAWKWELL

Nominated by Regina Piranhas Summer Swim Club and supported by Swim Saskatchewan

Over 37 years of coaching, Jason Cawkwell has worked to better athletes and coaches alike. He has led numerous athletes to success in the pool, while keeping the sport fun. Along with leading the Regina Piranhas to success at provincial championships, Jason has guided Regina Master athletes to claim Canadian and provincial records. He has worked with the Regina Dolphins and University of Regina athletes as an assistant coach, assisting them throughout finals. Mentoring more than just his athletes, Jason recruits new coaches and teaches them how to foster a team environment. Jason has received the Recreation Coach of the Year award in 2022 from Regina Artistic Swimming and was recognized by the Regina Piranhas for his years of service.