Paul Van Steen moved to Bridlewood in 1979. He helped establish the Bridlewood Spring Sports program, instituted our community-run outdoor ice rinks, organized winter carnival and Canada Day activities, and was also a driving force of the Bridlewood Men’s Hockey league. Heavily involved with the Bridlewood Community Association he coordinated the Outdoor Rink Program and was involved in park development. In 2007 Paul passed away suddenly while renewing his hockey refereeing certification.
Paul’s legacy lives on in the Spring Sports program, and the 12 volunteer-run outdoor rinks in Bridlewood.
Selection criteria
The award is open to any athlete over the age of 16 who currently exhibits excellence in representative or competitive sport. All candidates must have a Bridlewood address (including Emerald Meadows and Monahan Landing) as their primary residence. Leadership in their field and community involvement activities will also be considered.
Nominations will open on May 1st of every year and close on August 31st.
Please contact us at pres@bridlewood.ca for more information
Paul Van Steen Winners
| Year | Recipient | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | No recipient | |
| 2024 | No recipient | |
| 2023 | Gabrielle Gareau | Played hockey in the PWHL for the Central York Panthers and currently playing for Toronto Metropolitan University |
| 2022 | Aiden Smith | Baseball pitcher and catcher playing with Watson Elite Baseball in the Canadian Premier Baseball League |
| 2021 | Maya Addai | Rugby player for Carleton University Raven’s Varsity Women’s Rugby Team |
| 2019 | Kevin Robertson | Cross Country – competed in the U18 National Cross Country Championship and the U18 Steeplechase Canadian National Championships |
| 2018 | No recipient | |
| 2017 | Tommy Des Brisay | Runner - competed in the World Para Athletics Championship in London, hopes to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games |
| 2016 | Shelby Howard | Cross Country Skiier – has competed in 3 Canadian Nationals and finished 2nd in the Ontario Cup Series |
| 2015 | Robbie Laforest / Adam Laforest | Special Needs Athletes competing in a wide variety of sports |
| 2014 | Brendon Howard | Cross Country Skiier - has competed in the National, Regional, Provincial and High School level in both Free and Classic technique |
| 2013 | Alec Jarvis | Triathlete - 2nd in Ontario and 2nd in 2012 Ontario Summer Games |
| 2012 | Samantha Klus | Triathlete - will compete in worlds in New Zealand in fall of 2012 |
| 2011 | Lindsay Cook | Baseball - has represented Ontario in 2 National championships |
| 2010 | Laurel Johnson | Triathlete - competes in Ironman events all over the world |
| 2009 | Esther Akinsulie | Olympic hopeful in Track for 2012 in London, England |
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