By Evan Midford, Website & Social Media Coordinator
Once again, Sport Manitoba is proud to be recognizing the top athlete, team, coach, official, and volunteer of the year at our annual Night of Champions. 
This special event is a celebration of the highest amateur sport achievements Manitobans have made in 2024. The nominees are athletes and teams receiving national and international attention, dedicated volunteers contributing their time, officials facilitating decorum and fair play, and coaches shaping the next generation of champions.
Reinvesting in amateur sport is one of Sport Manitoba’s top priorities, and one of the ways we give back is by hosting events like Night of Champions, recognizing the passion and commitment of the individuals who drive our thriving sport system.
The ceremony is an intimate, invite-only event for the awards winners, their families, and their friends held in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Each award winner will receive a bursary to put toward their involvement in sport, and a banner with their name and award will be hung at the Sport Manitoba facility.
On Thursday, April 17, Sport Manitoba will celebrate these champions for their exceptional achievements last year:
Konica Minolta Official of the Year
Susan Adey – Equestrian – Winnipeg
For 40 years, Susan has been a dedicated steward, officiating in Dressage and Hunter Jumper at national and international levels. As Manitoba’s only senior Dressage Steward, she has played a key role in Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events, including the Pan Am Games, World Cups, and Olympic qualifiers. Passionate about steward education, Susan helped shape Equestrian Canada’s evaluation and performance guidelines, ensuring fairness in promotions. She also created the internationally recognized Stewards Hub website.
In 2024, she officiated across North America, from Florida to Vancouver. She continues to serve on key committees with Equestrian Canada and the Manitoba Horse Council. An esteemed leader in Steward training and horse welfare, Susan’s influence in the equestrian world is profound.
2017 Canada Games Legacy Fund Volunteer of the Year
Carla Wolfenden & Clayton Swanton – Manitoba Games – Dauphin
Clayton Swanton and Carla Wolfenden were instrumental in bringing the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games to life in Dauphin. As Games Co-Chairs, they led a dedicated team of over 75 key volunteers and 750 general volunteers to welcome 1,600 participants across 12 sports. Their leadership secured over $2.5 million in funding, resulting in lasting facility upgrades and new sports infrastructure that will benefit the community for years to come. Since 2017, they devoted countless hours to meticulous planning, tackled logistical challenges, and ensured smooth operations on-site. Navigating pandemic delays with resilience, Swanton and Wolfenden’s commitment never wavered. Their hands-on approach and dedication not only delivered a seamless event, but also strengthened Dauphin’s community, leaving an enduring legacy of opportunity and growth.
SBC Insurance Athlete of the Year
Raya Surinx – Volleyball – Winnipeg
Raya built on her remarkable rookie season—where she earned U SPORTS Rookie of the Year—by reaching even greater heights in 2023/24 as U SPORTS Player of the Year. She made history as the first athlete to win both awards in consecutive seasons and became the youngest ever to claim the Player of the Year title. Despite missing the final two regular season matches due to injury, she led the nation with 388 total kills and 4.85 kills per set. Her leadership propelled the University of Manitoba Bisons to a 20-4 record, their first-ever Canada West Championship, and a U SPORTS National Championship bronze medal. On the international stage, she trained with Volleyball Canada’s NextGen team and competed at the U23 Pan Am Cup. Named Canada West and U SPORTS Player of the Year, Bisons MVP, and Female Athlete of the Year, Raya’s achievements showcase her resilience, dedication, and leadership.
Calm Air Team of the Year
Team McDonald – Curling – Winnipeg
Team McDonald made waves in their evolution from their junior to competitive men’s season, proving they are a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. Led by Skip Jordon McDonald, alongside Dallas Burgess (Third), Elias Huminicki (Second), and Cam Olafson (Lead), the team balanced elite-level competition with studies at the University of Manitoba. In 2024, they claimed the Canadian U25 NextGen Classic, were the Manitoba U20 Provincial Champions, and Canadian Junior Cup Champions representing Canada in Switzerland. Despite their young age, Team McDonald has consistently defeated top-ranked opponents, accelerating their rise from junior to men’s play and world ranking from 42nd to 18th. Their dedication, talent, and fearless pursuit of excellence have solidified their place among the world’s best.
Coach of the Year
Shari Hebert – Rhythmic Gymnastics – Winnipeg
Shari, an NCCP Level 4 coach and Brevet 3 judge, made a remarkable impact on rhythmic gymnastics in 2024. Coaching 31 athletes from beginner to national levels, she guided them to success at Elite Canada, Western Regionals, and Nationals, as well as top international finishes in Denmark and Belgium. Beyond coaching, Shari mentored fellow coaches, educates parents, and organizes judging workshops—all without financial compensation. Last year, she was named the provincial team coach and received recognition at rhythmic gymnastics year-end awards. Committed to advancing the sport, she plays a key role in the Sport Manitoba Coaching Female Mentorship Program and actively expands her expertise through professional development with Sport Manitoba and Gymnastics Canada. Through her leadership, passion, and unwavering support, Shari continues to inspire athletes to excel, remain engaged, and thrive—both in sport and in life.
