Dr. Gene Sutton Special Achievement Award

Deadline for Submission: Saturday, May 31, 2025

Purpose and Dedication

This award for outstanding volunteer service is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution of an exceptional nature to the Sport of Gymnastics in Ontario for at least twenty (20) years. The award was first presented in 1973, and was renamed in honour of Dr. Gene Sutton in 2009, after she passed away suddenly.

Gene Sutton was often described as “a true champion of sport”, and a “mentor and friend for thousands”. She dedicated countless hours to gymnastics programs in Ontario and across Canada, and was respected around the world for her commitment to Olympic education. But Gene was perhaps most passionate about her ability to teach and influence others – young gymnasts, judges, and especially the extensive array of volunteers upon whom she could call to run yet another gymnastics event. Her own volunteer roles extended from President of Gymnastics Ontario (1997-1998) and Gymnastics Canada board member and vice-chair for many years, to Team Manager at multiple events, to judging at international events, to chair of the Women’s Artistic Technical Committee and WPC Judging Chair for several years. A recipient of this award in 1991 herself, Dr. Gene Sutton truly exemplified what the Special Achievement Award is all about.

Eligibility

Prerequisite:  Must be a past recipient of the Recognition Award.

Members eligible for nomination would include committee members, coaches, judges, and other officials who have performed specific outstanding, long-term continuous service to the Sport of Gymnastics in Ontario, for a minimum of 20 years.  The nominee must be a member in good standing.

Submission Details

Nominations should be accompanied by a résumé of the nominee, and two independent references attesting to the worthiness of the individual, and any other documentation deemed relevant to describe the achievements of the individual. The importance of this award should be kept in mind, and as much relevant information as possible should be submitted.

Nominations to be submitted to

Gymnastics Ontario Awards Committee
2950 Keele Street, Suite 202
North York, ON M3M 2H2
Tel: 647-598-1989
Fax: 647-344-4816
operations@gymnasticsontario.ca

Selection

Nominations will be short-listed by the Awards Committee and approved by the Gymnastics Ontario Board of Directors.

Award Presentation

The recipient will be presented with a commemorative glass award at the G.O. Annual Awards Banquet. The recipient’s name will also be engraved on the Dr. Gene Sutton Special Achievement Award plaque which hangs permanently in the G.O. Office.

Recipients will receive two complimentary tickets to the Awards Banquet, and photos may be posted on the G.O. website (with permission by signing the Image Release Form).

Recipients will be notified by Gymnastics Ontario a minimum of 30 days prior to the Awards Banquet in order to confirm attendance. Awards not presented at the Awards Banquet will be sent to the recipient by mail.