The Roland Michener Award is presented after each installment of the Canada Games to an outstanding male and female athlete who exemplify leadership, cooperation and excellence on and off the field of play during the Games.

A sprint canoeist from Dartmouth, N.S., Carew paddled her way to a gold medal in the women’s C-2 1000m and a silver medal in women’s IC-4 200m races at the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. Beyond the podium, she was a pivotal leader who helped unite the entire canoe kayak team, contributing to the success of her fellow paddlers for Team Nova Scotia. A two-time Canada Games alum, Carew will continue to make waves on the water as she pursues her Olympic dreams.

“The opportunity to be considered for an award that is presented to people who your team thinks exemplifies leadership and excellence is an amazing thing, let alone having actually won it,” said Carew. “Knowing all of the amazingly talented and accomplished people who were nominated for this award makes being chosen a huge achievement. It was amazing to be a part of the Canada Games and compete alongside such high-level competitors.”

Varga, a native of Muenster, Sask., propelled Team Saskatchewan to secure a gold medal in men’s indoor volleyball at the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. As team captain, Varga’s uplifting leadership, strong play and exemplary character made those around him better. Those qualities will continue to serve him well in his pursuit of greatness representing Canada on the international stage.

“Being a part of the Canada Games is such an amazing event that I hope many athletes are able to experience, but being the recipient of this award blows me away,” said Varga. “I’m extremely honoured to receive such a prestigious award. Reading the list of previous winners was such a surreal feeling, especially seeing that the last Summer Games male athlete from Saskatchewan to win this award was in 2001. I had a great time competing at the Games alongside my teammates and was ecstatic to bring home a gold medal for Saskatchewan. It’s a memory that I’ll forever cherish with my teammates, coaches, friends, and family. I hope to one day compete at the Olympics and being a part of the Canada Summer Games was a stepping stone to achieve that goal.”

“Congratulations to Ava and Skyler for their exceptional Canada Games performances and their unwavering commitment to excellence on and off the field of play,” said Canada Games Council Chair Evan Johnston. “They are both worthy recipients of the Roland Michener Award and we are inspired by their talent, leadership and ability to spark greatness in their teammates and others. I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them from here.”