The Greater Victoria Sports Awards (GVSA) are looking for nominations for the Alex Nelson ‘Ok’wilagame’ Indigenous Female & Male Athlete of the Year. This award is for athletes from Greater Victoria or with a connection to this region.

In 2023, the award was given out to Shalaya Valenzuela (Rugby) and Blake Swan (Lacrosse).

The ‘Ok’ilagame’ Indigenous Athlete of the Year Submission is based on the athlete’s accomplishments from January 2024 to February 2025. Nominations can recognize singular or multiple sports achievements within their school and/or club systems. Includes athletes with disabilities. Proof of Indigenous ancestry, including a letter of confirmation and status number, is required.

Click here to view all other award categories, along with the athlete nomination form: Nominations | Destination Greater Victoria.

Winners will be chosen by the GVSA Selection/Nomination Committee who will consider every public nomination received. Nominations will be accepted until February 5th, 2025.

The GVSA logo was created by Namgis First Nations Artist Jamin Zuroski. The logo features a stylized salmon with the letters VIC for Victoria and VIC for Victory.
“We lift you up and acknowledge all of your accomplishments through sports and sport excellence. Like salmon, you hold great intuition and understanding of showing up, giving your best over and over. Your practices and beliefs have led you to be a role model for our community, and we thank you. May you continue to shine bright today and always.”
—Jamin Zuroski
The Greater Victoria Sports Awards celebrate sport on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen speaking people. The Songhees, Esquimalt and WSANEC peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.