The perseverance and determination of Charlottetown’s Robert MacMillan were key reasons he was awarded the Roland Michener Canada Games Award, says Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz.
“Robert showed great dedication and commitment in his efforts to compete at the 2011 Canada Games in Halifax,” said Premier Ghiz. “Overcoming personal adversity to not only compete but win his division truly makes Robert an inspiration to all athletes and extremely worthy of this national award.”
The Roland Michener Canada Games Award was created in February 1992 to recognize the valuable contribution that the late Right Honourable Roland Michener made to Canada, in particular to sport and physical activity.
The award is handed out following each edition of the Canada Games to two outstanding Canada Games athletes, one male and one female, who exemplify strong leadership skills in and out of the sport combined with an ongoing commitment to scholastic and athletic excellence. Each winner also receives a grant worth $2,000 to help with training and living expenses.
MacMillan added to Prince Edward Island’s rich boxing legacy when he won gold in the 75-81 kg division at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax. MacMillan went into the Games having broken his ankle only eight weeks previously. Through physical therapy and extensive rehabilitation, MacMillan was able to compete in Halifax and win. While excelling nationally in the sport of boxing, MacMillan also excels scholastically, having been named Valedictorian for his graduating class at Colonel Gray.
“Participation in sport helps to develop attributes such as leadership, determination and commitment which are important qualities not only to succeed in sport but also in life,” said Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie. “Robert exemplifies these attributes and we are extremely proud of his success at the national level and the hard work of all our Island athletes both in their sports and in their communities.”