Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
MANITOBA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION – SCHOLAR ATHLETES AWARDS CEREMONY
Government House
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
(please check against delivery)
Scholars, athletes and fans of both – welcome to these awards for academic and athletic excellence.
It’s always a pleasure to welcome visitors to Government House, here in the heart of Treaty One land and the homeland of the Red River Metis.
For over 140 years, this historic residence has been a provincial landmark, as well as residence of Lieutenant Governors, in a province that is the ancestral and present-day home of the Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Cree, Dakota, Dene, Nehetho (NE-HET-HO) Nation, Inuit and Metis peoples.
I’m especially pleased any time this building can be a venue for a salute to young Manitobans who have demonstrated great work ethic, talent and potential.
Recipients of the Manitoba Credit Unions’ Scholar Athlete awards showcase the attributes of youth that inspire hope for the future in older generations.
To be in the running for these awards takes a commitment to academic excellence combined with the determination to practise, to dig deep in competition, to manage time and juggle commitments.
The individuals being recognized today have demonstrated those characteristics at the highest levels – in the classroom, library and lab, on the court, the ice or the field.
But they also symbolize the benefits brought to more than 30,000 student athletes each year in Manitoba.
The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association – and the more than 4,000 teachers and community volunteers who coach high school athletes – make it possible for young people to find new reserves of determination, to learn how to win with grace and lose with dignity, to discover the joys and health benefits of physical activity.
Events such as the one today brings to mind a quote by Pelé: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do”.
You have all worked hard, dreamed big and made sacrifices to get you to where you are today. I hope you all take time to reflect and take pride in what you have accomplished at this stage of your life.
To all the volunteers and educators who help young people reach for that goal, thank you. And to today’s award recipients, congratulations. May today’s award encourage you to keep moving forward – in shoes, cleats, skates or barefoot.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom