Fergus native Patrick Anderson has been named Ontario Male Athlete with a Disability of the Year.
The award was presented on April 18 at the 2012 Ontario Sport Awards in Toronto.
Anderson, 33, played a key role for Canada at the London 2012 Paralympics, leading the team to its third gold medal in the last four Games.
He finished tops in 2012 tournament scoring, averaging 25 points per game and first in total rebounds with 88, solidifying his reputation as arguably the greatest wheelchair basketball player of all-time.
“Patrick’s remarkable play in London was fuelled by a tremendous work ethic and uncompromising commitment to excellence,” Wheelchair Basketball Canada executive director Wendy Gittens said in a press release. “His contributions to the team’s success in 2012 are a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. Congratulations to a deserving recipient.”
The other finalists for Ontario Male Athlete with a Disability of the Year were Jason Dunkerley (athletics) and Garett Hickling (wheelchair rugby).
The following athletes received top honours at the April 18 ceremony: Patrick Chan, Male Athlete of the Year (figure skating); Rossanagh MacLennan, Female Athlete of the Year (gymnastics); Summer Mortimer, Female Athlete with a Disability of the Year (para-swimming); Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, Team of the Year (figure skating); Reg Chappel, Male Coach of the Year (swimming); and Jennifer Lee, Female Coach of the Year (badminton).
The Ontario Sport Awards, established in 1965, honour top amateur athletes in Ontario.
