RA Recognition & Awards Program

STARS OF THE RA

The RA Recognition & Awards program celebrates our vibrant community and gives special recognition to those who have made a difference in our community. While every member is a valued part of our organization, the RA Board of Directors honors those volunteers who have been recognized by their peers for their outstanding contributions.
​
Given every two years, the RA Recognition Awards recognize these outstanding individuals who have made a significant difference to our not-for-profit and in our community.

2024 Awards Recipients

Outstanding Achievement Award
This award recognizes the achievements of an individual at the regional, provincial, national or international level. 

Collinda Joseph

Collinda Joseph has been an RA member since 2002 and is a founding member of its wheelchair curling program. For more than 20 years, she has distinguished herself as an ambassador for the game and a competitor at the regional, provincial, national, and international levels.


Collinda was the first female skip to compete in a provincial wheelchair curling play down and win her province. After playing with local teams for several years, Collinda was invited to train with Team Canada and was selected for their Development Squad for the 2016–2017 and 2017– 2018 seasons. In 2019, she secured a permanent spot on Team Canada.

Curling Career Highlights
4-person team

• Several Ontario provincial championships
• Gold medal, Ontario Parasport Winter Games

• Silver medal, Word Wheelchair Curling Championship
• Bronze medal, Canadian National Wheelchair Curling Championship
• Bronze medal, 2022 Winter Paralympics, Beijing

Mixed Doubles

• Bronze medal, 2023 World Wheelchair Curling Championship

• Selected for Team Canada’s 2024 Mixed Doubles national team

An Advocate for Accessibility
​In addition to her athletic pursuits, Collinda works a day job as an accessibility standards development manager for the federal government. Locally, Collinda volunteers with a number of boards and has consulted with several curling clubs on their accessibility projects. She has also advised on the City of Ottawa Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Collinda’s work as an accessibility advocate has garnered her the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Celebration of People’s Community Leader Award, the Commonwealth Youth Secretariat’s Youth Service Award, and Carleton University’s Honour Award for Service.

Collinda and the RA Centre
​In 2004, Collinda was one of the original organizers of the RA’s Cathy Kerr Wheelchair Curling Bonspiel.The event ran for 14 consecutive years and evolved into the largest annual wheelchair curling bonspiel in Canada, raising the profile of the RA – and wheelchair curling – at the national and international levels. Collinda received the Community Leader Award in Memory of Cathy Kerr in 2014.

Together with fellow RA wheelchair curlers, Collinda continues to raise awareness of the game and spearhead initiatives to integrate wheelchair curling into mainstream league play. Currently, the RACC is the only club in Ottawa that welcomes wheelchair curlers to play alongside non-disabled curlers, in the same league and on the same team. This is due in no small part to the exceptional commitment and quality of play that Collinda and her fellow wheelchair curlers bring to the game.

Collinda continues to train on RA ice and share her time and expertise. She has participated in community “Try Curling” days, is a mentor to Team Canada NextGen prospects, and is a volunteer instructor with the Wheelchair Learn-to-Curl program. Collinda’s determination, hard work, and success on the national and international stages continue to inspire local wheelchair curlers.

“I’m still connecting with the community to broaden inclusion for people with disabilities, to get recreational opportunities, to play sports, to basically get out there and be a part of their community. It’s really important to me.” 
– Collinda Joseph, 2020

Outstanding Junior Achievement Award
This award recognizes the achievements of individuals 18 years of age or younger at the regional, provincial, national, or international level.

Aayush Saha

Aayush Saha has been an integral part of the RA Badminton Club since 2018, initially under the tutelage ofAndrew Dabeka and later under Javier Montes. His dedication and passion for the sport have been evident throughout his journey.

Aayush's commitment to excellence has seen him excel on both national and international stages. He showcased his talent at the Junior PAN AM Championship twice, in 2019 (U11 category) and 2023 (U15 category), proudly representing Canada in Lima, Peru, last July 2023. A testament to his skill and determination, he has been a stalwart member of the Junior National Badminton Team from 2019 -2022 and 2023 - 2024, a remarkable feat achieved by few. His achievements are not only limited to representation but also reflect in his impressive national rankings. In the U15 category, Aayush has consistently ranked among the top performers. This season, transitioning into the 1st year of U17 category, Aayush continues to make his mark. Aayush's dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to his peers and a testament to the excellence fostered at RA Badminton Club.

Aayush Saha's impact on the RA Badminton Club extends beyond his exceptional performance on the court. His influence has been instrumental in attracting a significant influx of aspiring players from various schools to the RA Badminton Club. Aayush's remarkable achievements and dedication have inspired numerous peers to participate in tryouts at RA Badminton Club, ultimately leading to a substantial increase in membership. Aayush's ability to inspire and motivate others is truly commendable. This leadership and positive influence have not only benefited RA Badminton Club but have also contributed to the growth of badminton as a sport in the broader community. Many of his peers who did not join RA Badminton Club were motivated by Aayush's success to pursue their passion for badminton, subsequently joining other badminton clubs. His influence has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in expanding the reach and popularity of badminton within the local community.

His contributions to the RA Badminton Club and the broader badminton community exemplify the spirit of excellence and leadership that this award seeks to honour. Aaysuh's passion for badminton, coupled with his exemplary sportsmanship and dedication, sets a remarkable example for his peers and aspiring athletes alike.

Outstanding Volunteer Award
This award recognizes members who has distinguished themselves through contribution to the success of clubs, activities, other members or specific events hosted by the RA (sport open houses etc.).

Robert (Bob) Gowie

Bob has been an integral part of our RA family over 60 years, generously sharing his time and expertise with RA Gun Club members and the broader community. Through his exemplary volunteerism, he has encouraged and inspired others to take aim at this target shooting sport and discover a new lifelong passion.
 
For most of his adult life, Bob has tirelessly promoted and developed recreational and competitive target shooting on the Club, local, provincial, and National levels. Bob has shared his immense knowledge of the sport by serving on the RA Gun Club Member Council in a variety of volunteer positions and has proudly represented our RA community by competing and officiating at numerous IPSC championships both locally, provincially, and Nationally under the RAGC banner. IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) competitors are divided into divisions based on the type of firearm they are using, and scores are calculated based on a combination of accuracy, power and speed. His invaluable contributions also include representing members on the RA Club by-law replacement committee, fulfilling the role of subject matter expert for shooting ranges regulations and conducting a host of safety briefings for range use by public agents. 
 
In 2022, the RAGC introduced a Women on the Range initiative in response to an increase of women wanting to become familiar with shooting sports and not having a mentor or place to be able to try firearms. This popular event offers firearm safety training and a live fire exercise with personalized one-on-one mentoring by volunteer RAGC Range Officers. In 2021, Bob was also instrumental in forming a partnership with the Carleton University Firearms Association to offer Firearm Safety Courses and access to the RA Gun Club’s indoor range for these student members. Regardless of the discipline, age, gender or ability of the individual, there is a place for everyone in this target sport.
 
Thank you, Bob - By Giving Back, we are truly Stronger Together.

"Volunteering at the RA Centre provides me with the benefit of getting to work in partnership with a talented group of like-minded volunteers and the RA management team whom share the common goal of growing the organization and improving the quality of programs it delivers.  Having been a user of the RA facilities and programs for more than 60 years, volunteering is my way of giving back to an organization that has been a constant throughout my life." – Bob

Phyllis Odenbach Sutton

Phyllis is an exemplary member of the RA Curling Club, actively and enthusiastically participating in various leagues and intra-club events. She is a wonderful ambassador during external events and bonspiels. Phyllis engages in positive discussions with members and representatives from other clubs.

As the Match and Rules Committee Chair for the RA Women's Daytime Curling Draw League (~ 90 members), Phyllis has been instrumental in the success of the league, particularly during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic. The Match Committee plays a crucial role in organizing 4 to 5 draw events, each spanning approximately 4-6 weeks, throughout the curling season. The Chair position is a demanding volunteer role that necessitates a substantial time commitment and a distinct set of skills and abilities. Phyllis has excelled in this position due to her exceptional capabilities. Her numerous contributions include:

• Meticulous planning and coordination: Phyllis demonstrates exceptional leadership by establishing the season calendar, creating individual draw schedules, and chairing 4-5 Match Committee meetings annually. Her dedication ensures that teams are formed for each draw based on members' sign-up preferences.

• Effective advocacy and representation: Phyllis is a strong advocate representing the league's interests through herinteractions and communication with various stakeholders including the Women's Daytime Curling Executive, the Men'sDaytime Curling League, the RA Curling Council, and the RA administration.
• Clear communication: Phyllis ensures that members are well informed about sign-ups, team compositions, and draw outcomes. Phyllis actively seeks feedback and suggestions, valuing input from others. She goes the extra mile to accommodate individual requests and considers the needs and preferences of league members.
• Fostering an inclusive and supportive environment: The league takes pride in its warm and inclusive nature, fostering participation and enjoyment for all curlers. Phyllis, along with the Match Committee, consistently prioritizes the maintenanceof balanced teams and a welcoming atmosphere, to ensure that members of all skill levels feel included and valued.
• Proactive recruitment: Phyllis has actively recruited graduates of the RA Learn to Curl Program, making them feel welcomeand supported as they join the league. Her efforts have been highly appreciated, with many expressing gratitude for herkindness and mentorship. Phyllis has positively impacted the transition of new members into the league and has played a significant role in the growth of our membership.
• Diplomatic approach: Phyllis consistently demonstrates a diplomatic and respectful communication style, ensuring that all interactions are conducted in a collegial manner. She always seeks agreeable solutions to challenging situations, and prioritizes members, the overall well being of the league and the RA community. 

Phyllis is a most deserving recipient of the RA Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Award Recipients – 1958 to date

Hall of Fame Builder Award

The Association’s Hall of Fame Builder Award recognizes and honours the achievements of individuals who, through their efforts, have made a major contribution to the development of the goals and objectives of the Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada. Established in 1972.

Charlie W. Anderson
J. Roy Baxter
William J. Bottomley
Dr. W. Clifford Clark
Philip S. Conroy
Moïse Deschamps
Jacques Fortier
Edwin Alexander Gardner
Allan Milton Hern
Robert S. Hood
Martin E. Kenny
​Ray Kinsella
Charles J. Mackenzie

M.J. (Mike) McTaggart
Layne J. Noble
Donna Pim
Ian Spear
Walter Clifford Ronson
David Sim
Dr. Kenneth W. Taylor
Walter J. Turnbull
Jack Vinokur
Dave Waddell
​Maj. General Hugh A. Young

Hall of Fame Sports Award

The Associations Hall of Fame Sports Award recognizes and honours the achievements of individuals and teams who, through their efforts, have brought special attention to the Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada. ​ Established in 1972.

Frank Amyot
Michael & Christina Ashcroft
Mike Beres
Ian Bishop
Charlie Connell
Rudy Costantini
John Czich
Andrew Dabeka 
Lillian de Angelis
Michel Dessureault
F.R. (Ted) Edwards
George H. Fraser
Margaret (Joe) Hamilton
Donald Harper
B.C. (Barney) Hartman
​Halvor Heggtveit

Syd Howe
Steve Kelly
Clayton Kenny
Bruce Malmberg 
Arnie Morrison
Layne J. Noble
Jen Robertson
Randolph (Randy) Ross
Jacques Rossignol
Charles Saint-Germain 
Linda Thom
Andy Tommy
Dawn Ventura
J.L. (Jack) Williams
National Women’s Foil Team (1977-1986): Karen Bergenstein, Paulette Cogliati, Marie-France Dufour, Louise-Marie Leblanc, Caroline Mitchell, Carole Wishart

Association Life Membership Award

The Association Life Membership Award recognizes Members who, over a significant period of time, have demonstrated meritorious service in the promotion of recreational activities on behalf of the Association and for outstanding contributions to the development of the Association. Established 1958.

Charles W. Anderson
Dr. John Apsimon
Donald C. Awrey
J. Roy Baxter
E.R. (Ted) Beddoe
William H. Broom
William J. Bottomley
David L. Burgess
Margaret Catley Carlson
Joseph Cardillo
Charles A.S. Clark
Philip S. Conroy
Gordon Cooper
Pearl Copeland
Bertha Cosgrove
Moïse Deschamps
Guylaine Duperre-Gass
Gary Enright
Jacques Fortier
John Garner
Pierre Gauthier 
Wally Gerus
Leonard C. Hill
Martin E. Kenny
Bill Kerr

Ray Kinsella
Guy R. Labossière
E. Oscar Landry
Barbara Lapointe
George E. Lowe
Charles J. Mackenzie
Joseph McGuire
Ronald P. Morris
W. James O’Neil
Ed Overstreet
Hy Parks
Ross W. Potter
Sydney B. Pratt
Herve Pratte
J.E. Roger Roberge
John Schwartzburg
David Sim
Gerry Sincennes
George Sparks
Arthur Sykes
Dr. Kenneth W. Taylor
Walter J. Turnbull
Clayton R. Turner
Jack Vinokur
Betty Ward

Club Life Membership Award

A Club Life Membership Award recognizes meritorious service in the development of club activities.

Archery Club
Janice Clark
Bruce Malmberg
Dawn Monroe
Margaret Sampson
 
Badminton Club
Ian Bishop
Anne Buckley
Ferdy Doreleyers
Bruce Filuk
Wally Gerus
Lois Heeney
Ian McAllister
Bruce Miller
Ron Morris
Dave Waddell
 
Chess Club
Les Bunning
Doug Burgess
Halldor Palsson
Marie Scarabelli
 
Curling Club
Earl Adamson
Harold Blackman
Cedric “Ted” Brennand
Harold H. Chalk
Anna Doyle
Esther Hamilton
Dr. Clare Hopkins
Vic Hosson
John Johnson
Astrid Kempster
F.H. (Coonie) LeFeuvre
Reg Mullins
Edith Nielson
Wilfred Oliver
George Parsons
Donna Pim
Marion Rougier
Joan Semeniuk
Elizabeth Sliter
Audrey Taylor
 
Duplicate Bridge Club
Albert de Wijze
Harry Freedman
Victor Giaccone
Clifford Hargrove
Brian Lamarre
Bob Lagowski
Irene Simm
Dave Stothart
 
Employee Fitness Centre
Joanne Bertrand  (DFAIT Fitness Centre)
Debby Corbin (NRCan Fitness Centre)
Ruth Guitard (AgriFIT)
Doreen Killbride (DFAIT Fitness Centre)
Chris Hayes (HRSDC WellFIT Centre)
Paulin Lafontaine (HRDC WellFIT Centre)
Peter Mathews (PSC Fitness Club)
Eric Rickey (AgriFIT)
Guylène Terracol (AgriFIT)
 
Fencing Club
Dr. John Apsimon
Paulette Cogliati
Marie France Dufour
Dr. Raoul Sylt
 
Gun Club
Ernst Marthuler
Thomas Yeung

Judo Club
Glen Campbell
Brian Lamarre
 
Photo Club
Eric Cottee
Dave Elden
John Elliott
Pierre Gauthier 
Alice Gillies
Paul Holland
Catherine Kelly
Henri Langlois
Barbara Lapointe
Edward R. Overstreet
Barry Thoms

​RA Theatrical Society
Margaret Dumbrell
Freda Lombardo
Rocco Lombardo
 
Sail RA
Bernie Diepman
N.E. Hollingsworth
Peter Juneau
Bill Kerr
Ross Misner
Don Slater
D.A. Symon
Jack Vinokur
Betty Ward
 
Fifty Plus Club (Seniors)
Violet Bergeron
Fernande Blondeau
Bert Brown
Phil Cadeau
Andy Halvorson
James Harris
Martin E. Kenny
Gwynneth MacLeod
J. Earl Matthews
Robert (Bob) McDonald
Frank Mills
Mike Mongeau
Evelyn Sparks
Eilenn Stevenson

​Ski & Outdoor Club (Ski)
Paul Baker
Ron Bennett
Louise Cameron
Glen Campbell
Paul Charrette
Dorothy Cannon
Jean Davis
Bernie Diepman
Dewart Hennig
Jaime Impey
Bruce Kealey
Phil Pinkus
 
Stamp Club
Colin H. Bayley
Lorne Bentham
Norma L. Gilmour
Bob (Robert) Kearney
Steve Mulvey
Hans Reiche
Jeanne A. Toussaint
 
Squash Club
Larry Jones
Dennis Raymond
David Rayner

President's Award

The President’s Award recognizes a significant contribution to the Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada.

Archery
Neil Richards
Adam Shewchuk

Badminton
Ian Bishop
Andrew Dabeka
Bruce Filuk
Russell Mullan
Doreen Phillips
Dave Waddell

Chess
Ronald F. Rodgers

Curling
Esther Hamilton
Dr. Clare Hopkins
Reg Mullins
Edith Nielson
Wilfred Oliver
Donna Pim
Marion Rougier
Joan Semeniuk

Duplicate Bridge
Shaw Desmond
Pushpa Jain

Euchre
Bob and Denise Archambault
David Burside
Guylaine Gass
Silvia Schauland
Cleo Vaillancourt

Employee Fitness Centre
Sharon Allard (Health Club Santé)
Marcel Beaudry (Health Club Santé)
Karen Bickford (ORCC)
Carol Cameron (Solicitor General)
Richard D’Avignon (NRCan)
Jay Fitzsimmons (NRCan)
Ruth Guitard (AgriFIT)
Debbie Montgomery (IDRC Fitness Centre)
Lorraine Paré (Solicitor General)
Eric Rickey (AgriFIT)
Patty Scott (Solicitor General)
Cythia Carraro, Terry Hind and Nancy Manning  (SC/HRSDC)

Fencing
Dr. John ApSimon
Hedda Hunter
Lilianne MacKennirey
Ronald Millette
Andreas Meinert
John Mitchell
Dean Steacy
Dr. Raoul Sylt
Peter Walker

Fifty Plus Club (Senior)
Tom Nicholls
Claudette Simoneau
Rita St. John

Gun
Larry Pollock
Linda Thom

Judo
Glen Campbell
Father Louis Normand

Photo
Pierre Gauthier
Catherine Kelly
Barbara Lapointe

Racquetball
Marc Beaudry

Sail RA
Ian Dawson
Bernie Diepmen
Bill Kerr
Mike Kouri
Julie Greene
Edouard Nicholas
Marc Plourde
Jennifer Simpson
Donald Slater

Ski & Outdoor Club
Bill & Arlene Buck
Doris Dallaire
Jean Davis
Rudolph Oldenburg

Squash
Guy Blier
Margaret Campbell
Paulette Cogliati
Lynn and Ron Francoeur
Steve Gobel
Steve Hall
Viola Hennessey
Linda Laframboise
Rachelle Massie
Dennis Raymond
Bob Searle
Alan Smith
Wayne and Morna Woltman

Stamp
Doug Lingard

Tennis
Roma Broadfoot (RTC)
Wilf and Solanges Côté 
Vivian Côté
Pat Kouri
John Mertens (RTC)
Brenda Pfaus (RTC)
Elizabeth Robertson (RTC)
Diana Smith (RTC)

League Sports
Shawn Argue - Football / Hockey / Softball
Peter Baron - Soccer
Marc Beaudry - Hockey
Wayne Beazley - Basketball
Terry Cartile - Basketball
Potvin Construction - Hockey 
Bourbon Cowboys Touchfootball
Gary Cavanagh - Hockey/Softball
Sheila Dudman - Ladies Fastball 
John Lanthier - Hockey
Ross Nicholson - Hockey
Abloom - Hockey 
Ottawa Towing - Ladies’ Fastball
Prescott Hotel - Hockey
Telesat (1978-1992) - Hockey
Warriors - Hockey
Jo-Anne Went - Softball

Outstanding RA Volunteer Award

The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes a member who has distinguished themselves through contribution to the success of clubs, activities, other members or specific events hosted by the RA (sport open houses etc.). Established in 2019.

Roger Duffy – Ski & Outdoor Club
​Robert (Bob) Gowie - RA Gun Club
Sylvie Morissette – GAC Fitness Centre
​Phyllis Odenbach Sutton - RA Curling Club
Jane Rau – Ski & Outdoor Club
Mark Scott – Canoe Camping Club

Outstanding Achievement Award

The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes the achievements of an individual at the regional, provincial, national or international level. Established in 2019.

Elaine Brimicombe – RA Curling Club
Collinda Joseph - RA Curling Club

Outstanding Junior Achievement Award

The Outstanding Junior Achievement Award recognizes the achievements of individuals 18 years of age or younger at the regional, provincial, national, or international level. Established in 2019.

Aayush Saha - RA Badminton Club