Stars and Legends Awards Gala set for March

The 2009 Stars and Legends Awards Gala will take place on March 28, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland. This celebration of sports excellence combines the Provincial Annual Awards and the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony into one commemorative event.

The event will be co-hosted by Jonathan Crowe of CBC News: Here and Now and Dr. TA Loeffler of Memorial University. This year's event will feature a Keynote Address by Dr. Steve Norris of the Canadian Sport Centre, Calgary.

"Last year's event was a huge success and we anticipate this year will be no different," said Doug Fowler, president of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador."It's very important to recognize the accomplishments of our athletes, coaches and volunteers at this prestigious event and we look forward to another successful Gala this year."

The Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame recognizes, honours and serves as a tribute to individuals, groups, associations, families or teams who have achieved extraordinary distinction in either amateur or professional sport, or have given distinguished services and/or made a major contribution to the development and advancement of amateur sport in the province.

The Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Annual Awards recognizes the best athletic achievements in the past year. Awards are presented in seven categories: Senior and Junior Male and Female Athlete; Coach; Team; and Executive. Nominations for these awards are accepted only from provincial sport organizations which are members of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador.