Ottawa – The Canada Games Council (CGC) is thrilled to announce that Team Saskatchewan gymnast Rylee Miller and Team Nova Scotia curler Calan MacIsaac have been selected as the winners of the Roland Michener Award following the PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games.
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.
“Congratulations to Rylee and Calan for their exceptional performances in PEI and your unwavering commitment to excellence on and off the field of play,” Canada Games Council Chair Evan Johnston said. “I am inspired by your talent and leadership, and can’t wait to see where your Canada Games experience will take you. For sparking greatness in PEI, you are both worthy recipients of the Roland Michener Award!”
From Saskatoon, Miller became the most decorated gymnast in Team Saskatchewan history after earning a gold medal in her floor routine, a silver on the beam, and bronze on the uneven bars during her time in PEI. She will continue her gymnastics career this fall, competing for the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds in the NCAA Division I.
“It was an incredible feeling to represent Saskatchewan the way I did and find success through my focus and dedication to the sport,” Miller said. “After my beam routine in event finals, it was so thrilling to hear the crowd cheer so loud when I stuck my dismount. It was an unforgettable opportunity and I am very pleased to receive this award as a highlight of my career.”
As the skip, MacIsaac led Team Nova Scotia to a gold medal in men’s curling at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Hailing from Greenfield, he now turns his attention to competing at the U20 level in his home province and at the national level. He hopes to represent Canada before playing professionally, and one day, make it to the Olympics.
“My favourite memory from the Games has to be winning the gold medal for my province,” MacIsaac said. “That has been our goal since day one when we put this team together. It means the world to me. Not only to accomplish one of my biggest goals that I’ve had since I was a kid, but to get this award as well, words can’t explain what this means to me.”
For more information about the Canada Games awards program, please visit canadagames.ca/about/awards.
About the Canada Games Council
The Canada Games Council, a private, non-profit organization, is the governing body for the Canada Games. Held once every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up and coming Canadian athletes. The Games have been hosted in every province at least once since their inception in Quebec City during Canada’s Centennial in 1967. The Games are proud of their contribution to Canada’s sport development system, in addition to their lasting legacy of sport facilities, community pride and national unity. The organization of the Canada Games is made possible through the tireless dedication of local Host Societies and the contribution and support of the federal, provincial/territorial and host municipal governments.
The office is located in Ottawa, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek People.
Media Contact
Courtney Pollock
Senior Advisor, Communications & Digital Media
Canada Games Council
[email protected]