Celebrating Excellence: CAF Sports Awards 2025

December 11, 2025 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:55

On November 26, the Canadian Armed Forces hosted the 37th Annual CAF Sports Awards Ceremony at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario. For over 37 years, this event has brought together the military community's top athletes, coaches, and officials in a celebration of exceptional achievement and recognition. Both serving and retired members are honoured for their outstanding athletic performances, as well as their significant contributions to the advancement of sport within the CAF.

Sports are an essential part of our CAF community, promoting fitness, resilience, teamwork, and operational readiness. During the ceremony, General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, emphasized the importance of sport in military culture, stating: "The attributes that lead to success on the playing field align directly with the qualities that underpin military excellence."

This connection underscores why sport remains a cornerstone of CAF culture. It builds leadership, unity, and the fighting spirit that defines our institution.

Overall CAF Winners for the Year 2024

• Female Athlete of the Year: Capt Mercedes LeBlanc
• Male Athlete of the Year: MCpl Chris Cheeseman
• Coach of the Year: MWO Simon Laprade
• Official of the Year: Capt Ioannis Labrakis
• Team of the Year: Valcartier Men's Slo-Pitch

Special Honours

• Hall of Fame: CWO (Ret'd) Michael McDonald
• Honour Roll: CWO Susan Chiasson, MWO Jonathan Whitehead
• Dedication to CAF Sports: WO (Ret'd) Murray Gauthier CD, Capt Gary Lacoursiere, MWO Paul Turner, PO2 (Ret'd) Bryan Elliott
• Unconquered Award (2025): Lt (Ret'd) Adria Brochu

These individuals and teams embody the spirit of CAF sports through commitment, resilience, and teamwork. Congratulations to all recipients and a big thank you to all our trainers and coaches who work so hard to deliver the CAF Sports Program every day!

For a full list of those honoured, please visit CFMWS | CAF Sports Awards. Images from the ceremony can be viewed on CAF Sports Facebook Page.

Sport within the Canadian Armed Forces is much more than physical activity. It is a true driver of well-being, cohesion, and leadership. Through our programs, we promote the physical, mental, and social health of our members, while building a strong, inclusive, and resilient community. The athletes, coaches, and officials we honoured that night embody these values and inspire the entire military community to strive for excellence, to embrace diversity, and to strengthen the bonds that unite us.