June 1, 2009 - The inaugural Lynda Garland Award For Excellence will be presented in Edmonton during the CBTF Canadian Winner/Championship competition.

At the 2008 Canadian Championships in Moncton, NB, the CBTF recognized Lynda Garland's years of service to Baton Twirling in Canada and around the world by creating a new award that bears her name. Among Ms. Garland's many accomplishments, she was one of the founders of the Twirl Canada organization and was its first President from 1979 through 1983. Twirl Canada went on to become the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF), which was a charter member of the World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF) when it was formed. Lynda served as President of the World Baton Twirling Federation between 1983 and 2008.

The Lynda Garland Award For Excellence will be presented to a Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF) Coach, who exemplifies excellent, progressive coaching, superior technical abilities and provides innovative ideas and programs.

Coaches may submit their resumes, or their mentors may submit letters of support, directly to Ms. Garland. Further details on the criteria for the award, and the background information that should be included in any submission, can be found here.

The deadline for submissions is June 21, 2009.