Andrew Qavvik, a 17-year-old resident of Sanikiluaq, was named Male Athlete of the Year at the Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut awards gala held in Iqaluit over the weekend. Charlotte Crow, vice principal at Paatsaali School, described him as a good role model whose recognition reflects his commitment to sports and recreation in Nunavut.
Awards Gala Honors Nunavut Athletes and Community Leaders in Iqaluit
Qavvik received an invitation letter from Community Services Minister Craig Simailak, acknowledging his accomplishments and dedication to sports and recreation across Nunavut. Speaking about learning of the honor over the summer, Qavvik said he felt excited when he saw the message.
The awards ceremony, hosted at the Aqsarniit Hotel on Saturday evening, brought together sport and recreation partners from across the territory, including the NU Sport Federation and the territory’s sport and recreation division. More than a dozen individuals and groups received honors during the event.
Volleyball, Badminton, and Mentoring Younger Kids in Sanikiluaq
In addition to competing in sports like volleyball and badminton—both popular disciplines in Sanikiluaq—Qavvik works as a recreational supervisor. In this role, he helps organize and run recreation programs for younger children in the community, with the goal of eventually seeing them travel to Iqaluit to compete.
School administration noted that Qavvik maintains strong class attendance and demonstrates leadership daily. Crow pointed out that Qavvik embodies a motto featured on a banner in the school gymnasium: “Players who respect beginners are the real athletes.” According to Crow, Qavvik consistently treats everyone around him with respect, including younger participants in local sports programs.
Territorial Sports Hall of Fame Inductions and Additional Gala Honorees
The gala also featured the inaugural induction into the new NU Sports and Recreation Hall of Fame, recognizing Jordin Tootoo and the late Atima Hadlari as its first members.
Several other regional leaders, athletes, and organizations received awards during Saturday’s ceremony:
- Community of the Year: Rankin Inlet
- Youth Leader of the Year: Novoalia Carriere, Kinngait
- Volunteers of the Year: Kinngait Youth Group, Kinngait
- Recreation Leader of the Year: Breton McNeil, Iqaluit
- Administrator of the Year: Hannah Siksik, Rankin Inlet
- Official of the Year: Rob Strutz, Iqaluit
- Coach of the Year: Gavin Greenley, Cambridge Bay
- Female Athlete of the Year: Lana Lindell, Rankin Inlet
- Team of the Year: U19 Female AWG Hockey team
- Special Recognition: Shauna Beaton, Todd Gardiner, Rebecca Walker, Paul Sr. Suvega, and Patrick and Samantha McDermott
