Profile : The 2022 True Sport Award Recipients show range of outstanding qualities in sport

As part of the Gee-Gees annual banquets for the competitive sport clubs and varsity programs, six True Sport Award recipients were honoured for 2021-2022. These recipients exemplify the True Sport Principles on and off the field of play in an inspirational and meaningful way, and are important contributors to the Gee-Gees culture.

Ritaj Abdoulla – Women's Rugby 

Ritaj Abdoulla embodies all of the True Sport Principles but most evidently the principles of inclusion and giving back to community. Her efforts on the women's rugby team's Task Force for Equity and Diversity ensure that the women's rugby program continues to gain education on how to individually and collectively be agents of positive change. Through the Leadership, Equity and Athletic Development (LEAD) Program, Abdoulla has created a safe space for young athletes to feel inspired and encouraged to become excellent athletes and stronger leaders. Not only has she created this space, but she has had a major part in welcoming individuals from the Ottawa community into the space and giving them the tools to step into their power and create safe spaces in their communities as well.

A humble leader and teammate, she can always be counted on to perform  on the field as well - known for her unreal tackles and defensive abilities. A third-year biomedical mechanical engineering student who earned Academic All-Canadian status in 2020-21, Abdoulla works tirelessly, and often in the background, to keep so many parts the Gee-Gees women's rugby program running smoothly.

Aidan Kirkham – Nordic Ski 

A Master's student in Microbiology and Immunology, Kirkham came to uOttawa after an accomplished academic and athletic career at Carleton University that included two OUA Championships, and three years as an OUA All-Star. He has also been selected to represent Canada at the FISU World University Games twice.  In testing this fall, Aidan's fitness was his greatest ever and all signs pointed to an outstanding racing season. But all that vanished in a split second with an unfortunate fall while trail running; he injured his hand severely, taking him out for the season.  

Instead of lamenting missing an entire season when he was in his best shape, or trying to race and re-injuring his hand, Kirkham devoted more time to giving back to the sport and helping others. He is a very popular coach of young athletes at the Kanata Nordic ski club, and because he couldn't race himself, he coached during the week, and devoted almost every weekend to helping these skiers learn to love sport. He travelled to the OUA Championships in Sudbury and spent the weekend helping the coaches any way he could and supporting his teammates.   

On and off the race course, Kirkham is considerate and always thinking of helping others improve and reach high goals. He is all about keeping training and competing fun and including everyone; he often coordinates group workouts, is very humble about his athletic accomplishments, and welcoming to people of all levels to join in.

At the top of his game, Kirkham's qualities show that he merits this True Sport Award. But this season's misfortune shows that he can rise up and keep inspiring others when things are tough - and has highlighted some incredible qualities and true sport values that make him an even more deserving candidate.

Serena Kuehni - Dance 

Serena Kuehni exemplifies the True Sport Principles on and off the stage. She always goes for it and pushes her limits while also encouraging her teammates to do the same. She is the first one to congratulate a teammate on any accomplishment and keeps practices fun and light with her positive attitude. She is also very inclusive and is a friendly face for all.

Since September 2021 she has managed all of the Dance Team's social media platforms which has allowed her to help increase the dance world's exposure to athletes at the University level and athletes of different races and ethnicities in a predominantly white sport environment. A second year communications student, Serena has already left a tremendous impact on the dance team and the dance community.

Madeline MacMillan – Golf

Maddie has been a dedicated student athlete on the women's golf team since 2019. Maddie is uOttawa's SAAC co-president since 2021 and takes the role very seriously to get more people involved to support sports in our school and community by spreading joy, celebrating others success, and leading donation drives. She is always looking out for her fellow teammates and competitors to improve the sport culture of all sports by attending webinars and other volunteer training programs to further educate herself in the pursuit of improving the experience for all. She is also very passionate about improving the equality in women's sports. 

Maddie earned All-OUA Academic this past 2021-2022 season in her communications and sociology program and was a part of the golf program's historic result this fall, earning the women's golf team's first OUA medal. She inspires friendship, learning, health, and personal growth through everything she does from the classroom to the golf course. Maddie has been the ray of positivity during these tough two years of the pandemic and has never stopped working on self-improvement and demonstrating her strengths as role model and leader.

Samuel Wells – Baseball 

After originally not making the team Wells persevered, continued to improve, and made the team at a different position two years later. This demonstrated his perseverance, desire for competition, and love of the game. Wells is the first one to celebrate a teammate after a success, or pick-up one after a failure, making him one of the most well-loved players on the team. He is always a fair teammate, competitor, and person, making sure to thank umpires and congratulate opponents.

Off of the field, Wells gives back to the Ottawa Baseball Community, as he is the head coach ofthe Bytown Dodgers 14U AA team, assistant coach for the Bytown 16U AAA team, and headcoach for the Louis Riel sport-étude program. Sam is an active advocate for Women's Equity in Sport, and is a perfect example of what True Sport means.

Executive Committee – Black Student-Athlete Advocacy Council

As individuals, the executive committee of BSAAC have all contributed to their teams and their sport communities. Collectively, what they have built through the BSAAC will have a lasting impact on how sport can influence society for the better.  

The council was founded on the principles of inclusion and respect, and over the past year the council has organized events and programs to highlight cultural awareness, give back to community, raise scholarships and expand representation on the uOttawa campus.