2010 saw the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation lose a terrific supporter.  Sharon Holliday was known by many for her passionate involvement in the sport of baton twirling, as a parent, volunteer, and President of the Sundown Optimist Buffalo Gals, to name but a few of her contributions.  Our National Technical Chair, Karen Gratton, and the director of the Sundown Optimist Buffalo Gals, Maureen Johnson, felt that Sharon’s contribution to the sport needed to be recognized, and with that the Sharon Holliday Memorial Award for Sportsmanship was created.  The plaque has been donated by the Sundown Optimist Buffalo Gals.  This will be an annual award, based upon the following criteria:

 It will be awarded to a CBTF member (parent, coach, athlete, judge, or volunteer) who exhibits the true meaning of sportsmanship as displayed by their interaction throughout the year.  This person need not have made their mark at the national level, however, being a good sport at the local, provincial, and national level, as well as showing good sportsmanship to CBTF members outside of their club and province is a consideration.

Sharon Holliday was the mother of Sharlene, Sheryl, and Leah – all advanced, elite athletes who twirled with the Sundown Optimist Buffalo Gals for many years.  She embodied the full meaning of the criteria for this award.  She was a spirited, dedicated, energetic woman who, while holding a full time job, was also there for her daughters, their club, their coaches, SBTA and CBTF.  It did not matter where you were from – club or province – her generosity, positive energy, and vibrant personality were felt by every judge, coach, athlete and volunteer throughout Canada.

 The recipient of the inaugural award is Sharon Holliday and it was presented to Sharon’s family during a moving ceremony at the National Team Trials held in Regina, Saskatchewan, in May 2010.  Present to accept the award on her behalf were Sharon’s husband Dave, her mother Josephine, her daughter Sharlene, and her son-in-law Rick.