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RUGBY CANADA ANNOUNCES 2020 CHAIRPERSON’S AWARD RECIPIENTS

Rugby Canada is pleased to confirm two Chairperson Award recipients for 2020. The Chairperson Awards are presented on an annual basis on behalf of the Chair of the Rugby Canada Board of Directors. Both of this year’s recipients were nominated and endorsed by Board Chair, Tim Powers.

December 21, 2020 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada is pleased to confirm two Chairperson Award recipients for 2020. The Chairperson Awards are presented on an annual basis on behalf of the Chair of the Rugby Canada Board of Directors. Both of this year’s recipients were nominated and endorsed by Board Chair, Tim Powers.

Pat Aldous has had a long association with Rugby Canada as a former National team player, Board member, Chair, COC Representative and continuing Board member for the Canada Sevens tournaments. He and his wife Linda have also been long time supporters of Rugby Canada and its various rugby programs.

Pat’s leadership, dedication and record of success speak for themselves. During his tenure as Vice-Chair and Chair, Rugby Canada had many game changing moments. Landing and executing the Canada Sevens tournaments was a hallmark achievement and took Canada to a new level on the international rugby stage. Pat also began the campaign to build the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford and more recently was a source of expertise and support as Rugby Canada worked to enhance the financial management of the organization.

Pat’s leadership was vital as 7s rugby began participation in the Olympics, and he oversaw the organization during a time of two historic women’s performances - a silver medal at the 2014 RWC and a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Pat and Linda often took the time to support our teams in-person all over the globe.  

“Pat has been a true warrior for Canadian rugby, on and off the field,” stated Tim Powers. “He served with intelligence, integrity, and guts. Pat was the first to put his hand up or offer support when help was needed. Pat also helped mentor me and was always present with honest strong advice for which I feel personally grateful.” Powers continued, “I know Pat is not one who seeks recognition or the spotlight, but I wanted to ensure we took steps to properly thank him for all he has done – Pat is a truly deserving recipient of this award!”

The second Chairperson’s Award is believed to be a first in the history of Rugby Canada. Rather than an individual, this Award is being presented symbolically to a large group of volunteers right across the country.

“For obvious reasons, 2020 has been a year unlike any other,” said Powers. “However, during the final 10 months of the year affected by the pandemic, we have seen the best of our rugby community. From coast-to-coast, Rugby Club volunteers gave selflessly to ensure our community game could continue, in whatever form was safe. They served as COVID safety managers, organized alternate rugby programming or helped coordinate fundraising efforts to aid their Clubs in sustaining and recovering.”

Powers added, “It is therefore a great pleasure to present a Chairperson’s Award to all of the Rugby Club volunteers across Canada that did their part to ensure rugby not only survived, but thrived despite the impact of COVID-19. I encourage all Clubs to recognize those members that gave of themselves, and ensure they know they share in this award!”  

 

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About Rugby Canada:

Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby XV’s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 30,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.

Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, with staff also working from Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC Canada Sevens annual tournaments.

For more information, please contact: media@rugby.ca.