(Winnipeg, MB) – Top athletes, coaches and builders were honoured this week for their contributions to wheelchair sports across Canada at the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association Awards Night. Representatives from wheelchair sports organizations across the country gathered Sunday night in Winnipeg to pay tribute to the many exceptional individuals who have impacted the wheelchair sports community this year.

Michelle Stilwell was awarded Female Athlete of the Year – Despite undergoing major spinal surgery, Michelle won three gold medals and one silver medal at the IPC Para-Athletics World Championships and bested her own World Record in the 200m. Her coach Peter Lawless was awarded Coach of the Year for his efforts leading to her impressive wins at the 2011 IPC Para-Athletics World Championships.