21st Annual Premier’s Athletic Awards

Premier Wakeham Presents Annual Awards To Province’s Top Young Athletes

Executive Council
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
January 15, 2026

The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrated the athletic achievements of more than 100 young athletes from across the province at the 21st annual Premier’s Athletic Awards today.

Established in 2005, this awards program continues to recognize athletic excellence and provide financial support to help offset the costs of training and competition. Grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 are awarded based on the level of competition and the athletes’ accomplishments.

The Team Gushue Awards, created in honour of Team Gushue’s historic gold medal win at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, were also presented during the event. Each year, two athletes are selected to receive these awards, valued at $5,000 each, based on both athletic and academic excellence. This year’s recipients are Falon McLoughlan and Gavin Baggs.

Falon McLoughlan, from Mount Pearl, is an accomplished athlete and a proud member of the Female Deaf National Volleyball Team. As the youngest player on the roster, she helped her team secure a second-place finish at the Pan American Games and recently represented Canada at the 2025 Deaflympics in November. Demonstrating excellence both on and off the court, Falon completed Grade 9 with an outstanding 99 per cent average.

Gavin Baggs, from Paradise, is an exceptional multi-sport athlete who has represented Newfoundland and Labrador with pride. Competing in parasport disciplines including athletics, basketball, hockey and swimming, Gavin has consistently demonstrated determination and skill at the highest levels. Beyond his athletic success, he is equally committed to his academic pursuits, maintaining strong grades while balancing a demanding training schedule. His achievements make him a true role model for young athletes across the province.

The second annual Michelle Healey Memorial Award was also presented at the event. One female athlete is selected annually to receive the award, valued at $5,000, with the recipient selected based on athletic success and an exceptional commitment to community.

The recipient of the Michelle Healey Memorial Award is Jenni Simpson of Glovertown, a standout athlete and dedicated volunteer. A member of Canada’s Women’s National Ball Hockey Team, she helped capture bronze at the 2024 World Championships. Jenni also played a key role on both the U20 and Senior Women’s Provincial Teams, earning gold at the Ball Hockey Nationals. In ice hockey, she competes with Acadia University’s team, where she was named a conference first-team all-star. Off the rink, Jenni gives back through volunteer work with SMILE – a physical activity program for individuals with disabilities – the Acadia Women’s Centre, and Learn Freely, a tutoring service for Newfoundland and Labrador high school students.

For a complete list of 2025 Premier’s Athletic Award recipients, please see the backgrounder below.

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