With the influx of so many new and incredible local races into the National Capital Region, the launch of OCR Academy, the discovery and transformation of so many top level athletes, the NCR has become a central OCR hub, bringing together the best in people, small businesses and charity activities. What better way to celebrate our 2016 achievements of the past several years, and to launch the start of what is gearing up to be an even more epic year, than with an Athletics Banquet, hosted by Capital OCR on February 26th.

The event brought together the racing community (teammates, local supporters, peers, future stars, sponsors and friends) in a way that had yet to be done in the region, for a night of celebration, awards, food and drinks, laughs and fun, hints at next year’s plans.
Every team has its select few that really stand out of the rest. The support Capital OCR created this year extends beyond individual exploits. Indeed, the team became more than the sum of its parts. As we gear up for the 2017 season, the team felt it important to celebrate as a team, and also recognize those few among us who have earned extra recognition.

Below are this year’s categories, description, winners and honourable mentions:

The first award went to Andrey Rebrov for Leadership. Without his generosity and initiative, none of this would have been possible. Andrey leads by example and connects us all. He is Capital OCR’s Captain!
Alex Devine took home the Obstacle Monster Award. Capital OCR’s 2016 obstacle King. The person who makes the obstacles tremble in fear. The athlete who is PlatinumRig Dom’s raison d’être!  Honorable mentions went to Andrey Rebrov.
The Purple Heart Award went to Patrick Fillion, the kryptonite magnet, he who just couldn’t seem to get through the season without breaking, and yet, despite all this, soldiered on! Mike Swift’s inescapable crampings were a close second for this award.

Tanya Laviolette took home the Most Improved Award. Tanya put in the miles, the sweat and the tears and is so much better for it. She not only improved, but transformed herself this season. Almost every member was mentioned in this category.

Capital OCR also had its one person who not only embraces social media, but thrives in it. Daily uploads and regular selfies are a way of life. In doing so, they bring exposure to themselves certainly, but also cast a beautiful light on their team and teammates. Crystal Yukich took this one home, with Jamie Drew and Nico Bidin making significant contributions year round.
The Sexiest Award! Because some people just got that swag, or that beach bod, or that irresistible smile… And then to top it off they join a sports team that allows them to go glistening in the summer sun, flexing all the right stuff. Young Quinton Gill and handsome Mike Coxford made way for award winner Jonathan Provost.

Quinton Gill made his mark this season, earning himself the Superstar Award. Once and a while, an athlete comes into a sport and just blows everyone away. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. But when it does, you get someone that is unstoppable. The world is watching this one closely.

Banquet guests even got to vote this year for their Favourite Capital OCR Athlete, because there’s always a fan favourite. Someone in every team is simply able to capture the
crowd in every way. Be it the smiles, the intensity, the eyes, the happy go lucky kid attitude or the bad boy/girl look. It works, and the fans LOVE it! Jamie Drew won this year’s Fan Favourite, inching ahead of Crystal Yukich and Alex Devine.And finally, you know you’re a great team when you’ve got that one person in the stands that would quit his job to become a professional fan.

Capital OCR`s 2016 Number One Fan! You helped support the team all season long. This was Capital OCR’s way of saying thank you. Paul Hynes, Etienne Falcon, Shannon Cadieux, Emile Porlier: we love you and wish you to play an even bigger role next season.

All awards were wonderfully presented by the lovely Ariane Provost.

Capital OCR expects to make an even bigger splash in 2017, on the course and in the community. They begin by contributing some of the proceeds of the night to breakfastforlearning.ca.