May 16 – The Canadian Fencing Federation held its annual Awards & Celebration Gala last night at the Hilton Vancouver Airport hotel in Richmond, BC – and the 2015 edition of the event was a fantastic success.

The evening is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating Canadians who have made a significant impact, nationally and internationally, to the sport of fencing.

Major awards were handed out throughout the evening, the most notable being awarded to Claude Seguin, who was given the CFF’s President’s Award, given to recognize the exceptional achievement and/or long and outstanding contribution of an individual to the sport of fencing.

“Claude Seguin has worked tirelessly for over 40 years with the simple goal of helping people achieve their goals,” said CFF president Brad Goldie, “Claude's leadership has led to the creation of an Olympian, two World Champions, 26 National Team members, and numerous high level coaches. Knowing Claude has been a privilege that I have enjoyed for many years and it was my distinct honour to recognize his passion and selfless drive with the President's award.”

Sylvie Clément was also given a distinct honour in the form of the Carl Schwende Volunteer of the Year Award, which is presented to the individual who, in the true spirit of volunteerism, made a significant contribution to the sport of fencing in Canada.

“Sylvie's dedication to Canadian fencing spans over a decade, but it was her outstanding work organizing and running the 2015 Cadet/Junior Pan American Fencing championships that made her the overwhelming choice for the Carl Schwende award,” said Goldie, “Sylvie's tireless drive showed the international fencing world that Canada is also a leader in hosting world-class international events.

“The sporting world survives due to great volunteers, and you could not find a better example than Sylvie Clement.”

The night is also a time to celebrate the incredible achievements of the CFF’s phenomenal athletes, many of whom thrived over the past year. Medalists of major events were honoured throughout the evening, and the athletes of the year were awarded the George Lightwood Athlete of the Year award, which recognizes athletes who have excelled in competition during the year proceeding the date of the award, or present an outstanding record of performance in the past, all while demonstrating exceptional talent, sportsmanship and dedication to the sport of fencing.

This year’s George Lightwood Awards were won by the following athletes:

Cadet Male Athlete of the Year: Loïc Beaulieu

Cadet Female Athlete of the Year: Monica Lubczynski

Junior Male Athlete of the Year: Marc Antoine Blais-Belanger

Junior Female Athlete of the Year: Eleanor Harvey

Senior Male Athlete of the Year: Maxime Brinck-Croteau

Senior Female Athlete of the Year: Kelleigh Ryan

Veteran Male Athlete of the Year: Mark Ballard

Veteran Female Athlete of the Year: Gabriela Shand

Marvin Fine was also recognized by the CFF for his contributions to veterans fencing in Canada.

“One of the Canadian Fencing Federation's fundamental pillars is to drive for excellence,” said Goldie, “These athletes not only bring honour to themselves, their coaches, and their support staff but inspire all around them. The CFF was also extremely pleased to begin to recognize the Veteran athletes whose dedication to excellence shows no age boundaries. Our international results are increasing by the year and I am excited and proud to see the Canadian flag raised at more competitions.”

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