2025 Award Winners
The 2025 Awards Ceremony took place on October 22, 2025, in Sydney, Cape Breton, as part of the RNS Annual Conference.
Bluenose Achievement Award - Christine Cutler
Christine’s leadership and involvement with the Rath Eastlink Community Centre for a number of years resulted in a sustainable program of lifeguard training and instructors for swim lessons in the pool, and the evolution of the climbing wall at the centre as a community space which not only introduces folks to climbing, but also specifically engages youth, older adults and women with customized programming and events. She is recognized for her contributions to the growth of Indoor Sport Climbing in Truro and throughout the Fundy Region through this work as well as her volunteer work with Climb Nova Scotia.
Mayflower Community Cooperation Award - Valley Recreation's "June is Recreation Month" initiative
Valley Recreation launched a dynamic regional initiative for June is Recreation Month that spanned from Clare to West Hants, Nova Scotia. The program was built on the foundation of regional collaboration, bringing together multiple municipalities, towns, and community groups to co-promote recreation opportunities and build stronger, healthier communities.A Recreation Passport highlighted events across the region and encouraged residents and visitors to explore new communities by attending events ranging from guided hikes and waterfront yoga to community dances and family fun days, and earning badges for each stop along the way.
Connecting People with Nature Award - Michelle Richards
Michelle Richards has dedicated over two decades to enhancing access to nature for Nova Scotians through sport and outdoor recreation, with a particular focus on surfing, skiing, and nature-based movement. Centered around Point Michaud and the North Shore of Cape Breton, Michelle’s efforts have rippled across the province, creating meaningful and lasting access to the outdoors for equity-deserving communities.What makes Michelle’s work stand out is her intentional and sustained effort to reduce barriers to participation. Her programming prioritizes Black and Indigenous youth, women and girls, and other equity-deserving groups who have historically faced challenges in accessing outdoor spaces due to cost, geography, representation, and safety concerns. Michelle consistently works to remove those barriers by offering gear, transportation, and mentorship—while building partnerships within local communities to ensure the programming is culturally responsive, informed, and community-driven.
Event and Program Excellence Award - Mahone Bay United Soccer Association
As the nominator described them, Mahone Bay United is a community development program masquerading as a soccer program. Their core belief is that the world’s most played game, should also be the most accessible. To that end, MBU is an inclusive soccer family for anyone who loves the sport - or is ready to discover their new love. Consistently participants report that their experience in MBU creates a sense of belonging in the community and greater personal confidence. Improved soccer skills are a result too, but they are secondary to the individual’s character development. Beyond, Mahone Bay, MBU’s influence and impact has spread across the region. They also partner with and use fields in The Municipality of Lunenburg, Town of Lunenburg, Municipality of Chester, and churches and schools in the region.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Award - Amber Hart, founder of Devoted to Diversity Guysborough County
In 2023, Amber officially launched Devoted to Diversity Guysborough, a community-driven group committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for parents, caregivers, and loved ones across Guysborough County. Their mission is to provide a supportive environment where individuals can openly share the challenges and successes of everyday life, free from judgment. The group aims to connect families with resources and peer support, while also organizing regular programs and events for all ages. One of the most meaningful impacts Devoted to Diversity Guysborough has had on the broader community is its influence on how large-scale public events are designed and delivered particularly at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex.
Heart of Recreation Award - William Roy, Sport and Social Club of Cape Breton
Recognizing that many community members struggle to be socially and physically active in winter, Will Roy created the Warm Your Bones Festival, which ran in February 2025 right here in Sydney. The festival was designed to encourage people to get outside despite the cold weather and find ways to stay active and engaged with the community. The festival had three elements: cozy drink/food specials at local venues, a series of recreational activities, and a street party in downtown Sydney. Will spent hundreds of hours building partnerships with more than twenty local organizations, venues and facilitators. He also coordinated over a dozen special events, including arts programming (such as drawing, collage, crochet, and writing workshops), physical activities (like winter hiking), and cozy recreational fun (such as board games and a movie night).
Professional Achievement Award - Chad Haughn
Over the course of his career with the Municipality of the District of Chester—starting in 2000 as Recreation Coordinator and rising to Director—Chad has created a professional culture rooted in respect, empowerment, and collaboration. Chad’s ability to balance strategic vision with grounded mentorship has ensured that the next generation inherits not just programs, but a philosophy of service and leadership. As a trailblazer in trail development—both municipally and through the Rum Runners Trail—he has modeled how recreational infrastructure can be both community-driven and sustainably maintained. His work during the 2023 flood recovery demonstrated a forward-thinking and collaborative approach to crisis management in recreation, influencing how trail systems are restored and communicated about during emergencies. Chad’s influence is seen not just in programs and trails, but in the professionals he’s inspired and the communities he’s helped thrive.
Honourary Lifetime Member Award - Mary Lou MacPherson
Mary Lou MacPherson’s athletic and professional journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and a trailblazing spirit. Born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, she first discovered her love of sport in her backyard, playing baseball with neighbourhood kids. When she was barred from Little League due to gender restrictions, she turned that setback into motivation—embracing opportunities offered by the local summer recreation program.Those programs quickly became the highlight of her days. Each morning, she would run to the ball field for softball, and in the afternoons, she was in the gym, playing basketball, floor hockey, or whatever activity was on offer. These formative experiences not only provided a safe and welcoming place to play but also sparked a lifelong passion for sport, recreation, and community.
Inspired by the backyard baseball games and summer recreation programs she participated in as a kid, Mary Lou spent five summers working as a recreation leader and director. Mary Lou went on to shine in basketball, serving as the starting point guard at Nova Scotia Teachers College, where she majored in physical education. She earned a Bachelor of Education from St. Francis Xavier University before beginning a 40-year career in education with the Northside and Cape Breton-Victoria School Boards. She served as both a physical education teacher and an Active Healthy Living Consultant, making lasting contributions at the school, district, and provincial levels.
Her excellence has been recognized with numerous honours, including the TAPHE Dorothy Walker Award, the NSTU Teaching in Excellence Award, and induction into the Northside Sports Hall of Fame. As an athlete, she continues to excel—winning the Seaview Golf Club championships 22 times and capturing a gold medal in hockey at the National 55+ Games.Beyond her career, Mary Lou is an active participant in many sports and activities, including golf, hockey, curling, cross-country skiing, pickleball, and hiking. Her lifelong dedication to recreation has inspired countless students, colleagues, and community members, making her a most deserving recipient of the 2025 Recreation Nova Scotia Honourary Lifetime Member Award.
Previous Award Winners
Bluenose Achievement Award
2025: Christine Cutler
2024: Avon Sport and Social Community
2023: Erin Flynn, Sport and Social Club CBRM
2022: Mike Hecimovich, Springfield Ballfield
2021: Cape to Cap Trail Committee
2019: Colter Simmonds and Jason Burnham, Truro Run Tribe
Mayflower Community Cooperation Award
2025: Valley Recreation: June Is Recreation Month
2024: Cross Country Nova Scotia
2023: Surfing Association of Nova Scotia
2021: Mulgrave Memorial Centre
2019: Ron Day, Yarmouth County Trail Development Association
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (EDIA) Award
2025: Amber Hart
2024: Town of Kentville: Neighbourhood Outreach Program Coordinator
2023: Lucas Hyslop
2022: Grayson Titcomb
Connecting People With Nature Award
2025: Michelle Richards
2024: Town of Kentville: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
PAST Build Environment Award
2023: Al and Maxine Clarke
PAST Natural Environment Award
2019: The Glooscap First Nation Community Trail Partnership Project
Event/Program Excellence Award:
2025: Mahone Bay United Soccer Association
2024: Alnaas Community and Youth Development Association
PAST Municipal Program Award
2023: Sharla Sampson
PAST Municipal Event Award
2023: Granville Green, Town of Port Hawkesbury
Heart of Recreation Award
2025: William Roy: Sport & Social Club of Cape Breton
2024: W.E.B.S Creative Closet
Professional Achievement Award
2025: Chad Haughn
2024: Marlene Melanson
2023: Laura Jacobs
2022: Richard Leckenby
2021: Ron Clarke
2019: Craig Burgess
Honourary Lifetime Member Award
2025: Mary Lou MacPherson
2024: Robin Norrie
2022: Debby Smith
2021: Robert (Bob) Powell
2019: Dr. Brenda Robertson
2017: Doug MacKenzie
2012: Carroll Randall
2011: Flip Hochman
2009: James Ian Campbell
2008: Fred Brooks
2007: Bob Nauss
2006: John Cotton
2004: John MacLean
1991: Dr. William White
1985: James D. Bayer
1979: A. Garnet Brown and Donald A. Lynch
*DISCONTINUED* High Five Nova Scotia Champion Award
2024: Amherst Little League
PAST High Five Nova Scotia Trainer Excellence Award
2022: Tracy Burns and Cara Sunderland
2019: Seana Jewer
*DISCONTINUED* Innovation Award
2023: Nick Zamora, Memory Cafe
2022: Life Rolls On
2021: Municipality of the District of St. Mary's and the St. Mary's Curling Club
2019: HRM Active Life Committee
2019: Mia Lockhart, Girls on Board