January 26, 2009 - Kayla McKinnon and Sara Thibeault, both of Regina, have been named Finalists for the 2008 Saskatchewan Athlete of the Year Awards, in the Team category. The Saskatchewan Sport Awards include the 2008 Athlete of the Year Awards, Saskatchewan Coaching Awards, and Saskatchewan Volunteer Recognition Awards. The awards will be presented on
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at TCU Place in Saskatoon.

The Athlete of the Year Awards are divided into six categories: Master, Youth Male, Youth Female, Male, Female, and Team. Nominees for the Athlete of the Year Awards are submitted to the Sask Sport Inc. Awards and Recognition Committee by the Provincial Sport Governing Bodies.

The Saskatchewan Sport Awards are held annually by Sask Sport Inc. to recognize the outstanding achievements of Saskatchewan amateur athletes and coaches as well as the generous individuals who volunteer their time and talents to improve amateur sport in the province.

McKinnon, 17, and Thibeault, 18, finished first at the Saskatchewan Provincial Team Trials, where they were named the Saskatchewan Baton Twirling Association Team of the Year. At the National Team Trials, they placed first of four pairs, qualifying them to represent Canada at the World Cup Championships. At the Canadian Championships, they were named National Grand Champions in Senior Duet division. The duo fifth at the World Cup Championships.

In 1992, Stacy Singer was recipient of the Saskatchewan Athlete of the Year in the Female Category. Singer is the only baton twirler to have received that award.

More information on Sask Sport Inc. can be found on their website. The complete media release announcing the 2008 Finalists is also available online.