Awards

CBTF annually recognizes achievements with the following Special Awards:

Past recipients of these awards can be found on the Special Awards page.

Any CBTF Member may nominate someone for these Special Awards. Use the links above to locate the Nomination or Application Forms and submission details for each award.

The nomination deadline for the Lifetime Achievement Award and Honorary Membrship is January 31, 2024.
The nomination deadline for the Volunteer of the Year Award, the Sharon Holliday Memorial Award for Sportsmanship, the President's Cup Award, the Spirit of Twirling Athlete Recognition Award, and the CBTF Social Change Award is May 1, 2024.
The nomination deadline for the Lynda Garland Award for Excellence is May 15, 2024.
The nomination deadline for Athlete Scholarshipis June 15, 2024.

The application form for the CBTF Social Change Award is attached.

Completed Application Forms should be sent to the CBTF 1st Vice-President, Karen Gratton. Applications may be sent by email to 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca - this is the preferred method. If Regular Mail is necessary, first email 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca and request instructions.

The deadline to complete and submit the application form is: May 1, 2024.

Please note: Applications shall be accepted from any current CBTF individual, club or provincial organization member.

The purpose of this award is to highlight and celebrate the work being done related to social justice issues by members of the CBTF community. CBTF supports and encourages its athletes to get involved in social justice matters as this is an important part of their development as a human.

Examples of social justice issues include social movements (examples: Black Lives Matter, Anti-Asian racism), causes (examples: fighting cancer and other diseases, combating homelessness, food security, climate change) and social issues (examples: bullying, LGBTQ2S+ initiatives, mental health).

 

The Lynda Garland "Award For Excellence" is presented to a Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF) Technical Association member who has made long-term contributions to the sport of Baton Twirling.

Athlete, technical members, or parents may send a resume regarding the Technical Association member's achievements. The resume, outlining the criteria and background described below, is sent to Lynda Garland directly (lyndahgarlandatgmail [dot] com).

DEADLINE DATE FOR SUBMISSION IS MAY 15, 2024.

 

Criteria

This award shall be presented to a CBTF Technical Association member who demonstrates excellence in the following areas:

  • Has made long term contributions to the sport of Baton Twirling locally, provincially, nationally and internationally such as:
    • assisted in the development of CBTF courses and programs
    • developed and/or contributed to the creation of manuals and videos
    • volunteer involvement (eg: administrative, technical)
  • Is supportive of all CBTF events and programs
  • Seeks continual professional growth through exposure to baton-related events (e.g., clinics, workshops, competitions, courses) and other related disciplines (e.g., dance, theatre, gymnastics, skating and cultural activities)
  • Presents a positive, professional image; adheres to the rules, creeds, and policies of CBTF including the Technical Association Professionalism Policy. 
  • Demonstrates integrity, responsibility, and dedication to the sport of baton twirling
  • Demonstrates concern for the all-round development of all athletes and technical members

Should the nominee be a coach:

  • He/she has coached baton twirling lessons, clinics, camps or workshops locally, provincially, nationally and/or internationally.
  • His/her club and/or individual athletes have consistently improved, achieved personal goals and experienced success.
  • He/she epitomizes the very essence of the meaning of Coach - an individual who adheres to the CBTF Coaches’ Creed, teaches, mentors, guides, supports, encourages and above all, has a positive long-term influence on the athletes he/she has coached.

Should the nominee be a judge:

  • He/she has judged baton competitions locally, provincially, nationally and/or internationally.
  • He/she adheres to the CBTF Judges’ Creed, Judges’ Code of Conduct & Ethics and Judges Uniform Policy.
  • He/she epitomizes the very essence of the meaning of Judge – an individual who fairly assesses the routines before them without bias or conflict of interest, keeps updated on all judging rules & regulations, reflects a positive attitude in their communications, and, above all, has a positive long-term influence on the athletes he/she has judged.

 

Please prepare a profile (maximum 250 words) based on the above Criteria and including the following:

  • List in which capacity(ies) the Nominee has served the CBTF (eg: administrator, advisory, volunteer, coach, adjudicator, course conductor, judge).  
  • What contributions has he/she made to the development of baton in Canada?

One recipient may be chosen by Lynda Garland for presentation at the Awards Ceremony of either the Canadian Team Trials or the Canadian Championship. Nominations shall be accepted from any current CBTF member. The recipient’s profile may be printed in the Canadians Program. A profile summary will be given during the presentation ceremonies at Canadians.

The nomination form for the President's Cup Award is attached.

Completed Nomination Forms should be sent to the CBTF President, Joanne Moser. Nominations may be sent by email to presidentatcbtf [dot] ca - this is the preferred method. If Regular Mail is necessary, first email presidentatcbtf [dot] ca and request instructions.

The deadline to complete and submit the nomination form is: May 1, 2024.

The nomination requires a one paragraph profile of the Nominee, not to exceed 250 words, that supports initiatives, innovations and achievements taken by the Nominee that validate consideration for this award.

Please note: Any CBTF Member in good standing may make a nomination for the President's Cup Award. The nominee must be a CBTF Member in good standing.

This award will be presented to a person or group of persons, club, province, group, etc. and is intended to recognize how they have demonstrated and implemented innovation in the sport of Baton Twirling in Canada, aimed at new ways of delivering, performing, supporting, or continuing the sport in the face of adversity. The nominator and the nominee must be CBTF members.

While initially the pandemic of 2020 is the foundation and originating event that initiated this award, it is not and will not be the only occurrence that could support improvement or advancement of Baton Twirling in Canada. Any innovation in the sport that creates new approaches, concepts, programming, or advances of any kind to continue the development and growth of the sport in the future, while in the face of adversity, may be considered.

The nomination form for the Sharon Holliday Memorial Award for Sportsmanship is attached.

Completed Nomination Forms should be sent to the CBTF 1st Vice-President, Karen Gratton. Nominations may be sent by email to 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca - this is the preferred method. If Regular Mail is necessary, first email 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca and request instructions.

The deadline to complete and submit the nomination form is: May 1, 2024.

Please note: Any CBTF Member in good standing may make a nomination for the Sharon Holliday Memorial Award for Sportsmanship. The nominee must be a CBTF Member in good standing.

In 2010, the Sharon Holliday Memorial Award for Sportsmanship was created and awarded posthumously to Sharon Holliday, who was an active and involved baton parent. The criteria for this award are modeled on the example she demonstrated and are as follows:

  • A nominee for this award shall be a CBTF member (parent, athlete, coach, judge, volunteer) who exhibits the true meaning of sportsmanship as displayed by their interaction with other CBTF members at baton-related events throughout the year.
  • This person need not have made their mark at the national level, however, being a good sport at the local, provincial and national level, as well as showing good sportsmanship to CBTF members outside of their club and province, shall be taken into consideration.
  • A recipient may win this award more than once.
  • There shall be only one recipient in a given year.

The nomination form for the CBTF Volunteer of the Year Award is attached.

Completed Nomination Forms should be sent to the CBTF 1st Vice-President, Karen Gratton. Nominations may be sent by email to 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca - this is the preferred method. If Regular Mail is necessary, first email 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca and request instructions.

The deadline to complete and submit the nomination form is: May 1, 2024.

Please note: Any CBTF Member in good standing may make a nomination for the Volunteer of the Year award. The nominee must be a CBTF Member in good standing.

  • A nominee for this award shall be an individual demonstrating a strong commitment to the sport of baton twirling.
  • The nominee shall be a CBTF member who has made a valuable contribution to the development of the sport of baton in Canada.
  • First consideration shall be given to a nominee who has contributed at a national level.
  • A recipient may win this award more than once.
  • There shall only be one recipient in a given year.

The nomination form for the CBTF Lifetime Achievement Award is attached.

Completed Nomination Forms should be sent to the CBTF 1st Vice-President, Karen Gratton. Nominations may be sent by email to 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca - this is the preferred method. If Regular Mail is necessary, first email 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca and request instructions.

The deadline to complete and submit the nomination form is: January 31, 2024.

Please note: any CBTF Member in good standing may make a nomination for the Lifetime Achievement award. The nominee must be a CBTF Member in good standing.

Recipients of this award are CBTF members who have:

  • Exhibited dedication, devoted many volunteer hours to baton locally, provincially and nationally.
  • Made significant contributions to the CBTF at all levels for a period of several years.
  • Played an important role in the development of baton twirling at a national or international level.

Consideration will be given to those who have served in significant elected Board positions within the WBTF/IBTF (eg: WBTF President) or who have represented Canada for several years as an athlete, technical rep and/or board rep.

The nomination form for Honorary Memberships is attached. The nominee does not have to be a current member of CBTF - this award is particularly suited to recognizing a friend of the sport that is not an active member.

Completed Nomination Forms, including biography, should be sent to the CBTF 1st Vice-President, Karen Gratton. Nominations may be sent by email to 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca - this is the preferred method. If Regular Mail is necessary, first email 1stvpatcbtf [dot] ca to request instructions.

The nomination deadline for the Honorary Membership is Janury 31, 2024.

Please note: Any CBTF Member in good standing may make a nomination for Honorary Membership. The nominee does not have to be a current CBTF Member.

The contributions and/or achievements of past CBTF Honorary Members have had a long-lasting effect on the development of baton twirling as it is today in Canada and, in some cases, at the international level. Recipients of this award are no longer active in CBTF or the sport nor do they hold a current CBTF membership. If Nominee has served the CBTF on a national level, she/he shall have served the CBTF for a minimum of three years however service to provincial bodies is also taken into consideration.

When preparing the nominee's biography, please consider the following:

  • Why this individual should be recognized as an Honorary Member of CBTF?
  • The number of years the Nominee had served or been a member of the CBTF.
  • In what capacity(ies) has the Nominee served the CBTF (eg: administrator, advisory, volunteer, coach, judge, athlete)?
  • What contributions has he/she made to the development of baton in Canada?

Each year all the member Provincial organizations in CBTF are rated according to their efficiency and organizational skills when communicating with each of the following CBTF Positions: President, Past President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Technical Chairman, Coaches’ Rep, Judges Rep, Sanction Officer, Group Rep, Skills Development Officer.

A list of all recipients for these awards is available.

The CBTF Volunteer of the Year is an individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to the sport and has made a valuable contribution to the development of the sport of baton in Canada.

A list of all recipients for this award is available.

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

In 2008, 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.

A list of all recipients for Lynda Garland's "Award of Excellence" is available.

CBTF Lifetime Achievement Awards were set up to recognize and honour special persons who have been an inspiration to the sport of the baton twirling. Their contributions to the CBTF have played significant roles in the development of baton twirling in Canada, or at the World Federation.

A list of all recipients for this award is available.

Honorary Members have served the CBTF for a minimum of three years. Service to Provincial bodies is also taken into consideration.

“Honorary members shall have the privilege of speaking, but shall not be entitled to vote or hold office or otherwise conduct the business of the Federation. They shall, however, be entitled to all services extended by the Federation to active members.”

A list of all recipients for this award is available.

This Spirit of Twirling award is for the athletes by the athletes. This award will be presented annually to recognize the CBTF athlete who demonstrates a strong commitment to the sport of baton twirling.

The recipient shall possess the following characteristics regardless of age or twirling level:

  • A strong passion for twirling; works hard, never gives up & strives towards the accomplishment of his/her goals
  • A positive & friendly attitude, initiative, integrity, drive and determination
  • Respect for other athletes, coaches, judges & volunteers
  • Role model, motivator and mentor to other athletes
  • Excellent sportsmanship & leadership traits
  • A strong team player, works well with everyone
  • A good volunteer spirit; always willing to lend a hand
  • Is a gracious winner and a humble participant

A recipient may only win this award once.

A list of all recipients for this award is available.

The CBTF President's Cup Award was created to recognize innovation in the sport of Baton Twirling in Canada. This award will be presented annually to a person or group of persons, club, province, group, etc. and is intended to recognize how they have demonstrated and implemented innovation in the sport of Baton Twirling in Canada, aimed at new ways of delivering, performing, supporting, or continuing the sport in the face of adversity. The nominator and the nominee must be CBTF members.

While initially the pandemic of 2020 is the foundation and originating event that initiated this award, it is not and will not be the only occurrence that could support improvement or advancement of Baton Twirling in Canada. Any innovation in the sport that creates new approaches, concepts, programming, or advances of any kind to continue the development and growth of the sport in the future, while in the face of adversity, may be considered.

A list of all recipients for this award is available.

Each year CBTF presents Junior and Senior, Male and Female Athlete of the Year and Overall Athlete of the Year Awards.

Points are calculated from the Level A Championships at the Provincial, National and World events, including Level A Freestyle. The winner is the athlete with the greatest total points. In the event of a tie, the athlete with the highest placing at the World Championships will be declared the winner.

The CBTF Overall Athlete of the Year will be determined from the Junior and Senior Female and Male Athlete of the Year points. The athlete with the highest total is the winner. In the event of a tie, two or more athletes will be recognized.

Beginning in 2017, CBTF also recognizes the Pair of the Year and the Team of the Year. Prior, this was a combined Pair/Team of the Year award. Ties in these categories are not broken, and the recognition is given to all winners.

A list of all recipients for these awards is available.

CBTF recognizes one Junior Athlete and one Senior Athlete, accumulating the highest number of points from individual events in Level A Championship Events and Level B Winner Events, from Provincials, Nationals, and Grand Nationals (excluding Freestyle).

Athletes achieving the Athlete of the Year awards are not eligible for this award.

These prestigious individual awards are donated by our long standing CBTF member Deardra Leslie.

CBTF recognizes the Baton Twirling Club accumulating the highest number of points from group events at the Provincial and National Championships. Unlike the other awards this one is based on the current season’s group results across Canada.

A list of all recipients for the Challenge Cup awards is available.