Paul Van Steen moved to Bridlewood in 1979. He helped establish the Bridlewood Spring Sports program, instituted our community-run outdoor ice rinks, organized winter carnival and Canada Day activities, and was also a driving force of the Bridlewood Men’s Hockey league. Heavily involved with the Bridlewood Community Association he coordinated the Outdoor Rink Program and was involved in park development. In 2007 Paul passed away suddenly while renewing his hockey refereeing certification.
Paul’s legacy lives on in the Spring Sports program, and the 12 volunteer-run outdoor rinks in Bridlewood.
Selection criteria
The Bridlewood Community Association is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2026 Paul Van Steen Sports Award will be open as of May 1, 2026. This year we will be awarding two (2) deserving athletes this award as no nominations were received in 2025.
This $500 award is given out annually to deserving youths over the age of 16 who have exhibited excellence in representative or competitive sport during the period of October 2025 – August 31, 2026.
All candidates must have a Bridlewood address, which includes Emerald Meadows and Monahan Landing, as their primary residence. Leadership in their field and involvement in community activities will also be considered in the selection process.
Nominations will open on May 1st of every year and close on August 31st. Winners will be announced at our Annual Membership Meeting that will take place on Tuesday, October 13.
More information is available by contacting pres@bridlewood.ca
Paul Van Steen Winners
| Year | Recipient | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | No recipient | |
| 2024 | No recipient | |
| 2023 | Gabrielle Gareau | Played hockey in the PWHL for the Central York Panthers and currently playing for Toronto Metropolitan University |
| 2022 | Aiden Smith | Baseball pitcher and catcher playing with Watson Elite Baseball in the Canadian Premier Baseball League |
| 2021 | Maya Addai | Rugby player for Carleton University Raven’s Varsity Women’s Rugby Team |
| 2019 | Kevin Robertson | Cross Country – competed in the U18 National Cross Country Championship and the U18 Steeplechase Canadian National Championships |
| 2018 | No recipient | |
| 2017 | Tommy Des Brisay | Runner - competed in the World Para Athletics Championship in London, hopes to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games |
| 2016 | Shelby Howard | Cross Country Skiier – has competed in 3 Canadian Nationals and finished 2nd in the Ontario Cup Series |
| 2015 | Robbie Laforest / Adam Laforest | Special Needs Athletes competing in a wide variety of sports |
| 2014 | Brendon Howard | Cross Country Skiier - has competed in the National, Regional, Provincial and High School level in both Free and Classic technique |
| 2013 | Alec Jarvis | Triathlete - 2nd in Ontario and 2nd in 2012 Ontario Summer Games |
| 2012 | Samantha Klus | Triathlete - will compete in worlds in New Zealand in fall of 2012 |
| 2011 | Lindsay Cook | Baseball - has represented Ontario in 2 National championships |
| 2010 | Laurel Johnson | Triathlete - competes in Ironman events all over the world |
| 2009 | Esther Akinsulie | Olympic hopeful in Track for 2012 in London, England |
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