June 28, 2009 - The 2008-2009 Volunteer of the Year award was presented today to Gail Ashcroft at the 2009 Canadian Baton Twirling Championships, being held in Edmonton, Alberta.

Joanne Moser, CBTF 1st Vice-President, presented the award and read from the nomination:

Gail continues to strive toward the betterment of the Sport of Baton Twirling. She graciously stepped into the role of President and Past-President over the last 3 years. Over the past year, her commitment to the sport has gone further, which includes donating the suitcase for the Travel the World Raffle, assisting the World Team and International Cup athletes.

This continued when the Team Manager was unable to attend the World Championships due to an injury. She stepped in and fulfilled those duties as well as her own. She coordinated the 30-plus member team who attend the World Championships last summer - organizing team meetings, practice time, coaches meetings and ensured that all duties were taken care of in the absence of the Team Manager, including her own duties as an ambassador of Canada at the World Meetings.

She has always and continues to have the utmost respect for judges, coaches, volunteers, parents and most of all the athletes of our sport.

A list of all recipients for these awards is

.