Annual Awards Program

Annually, the Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Professionals (S.A.R.P.) recognizes dedicated leaders in the recreation industry, that are Members in good standing with the Association.

Any Member of the Association is entitled to submit CONFIDENTIAL Nomination(s) for any of the Awards. Award Nomination Forms may be obtained below or by contacting the provincial office.

All Nomination Forms must be signed by two
 members to be eligible.

Award Descriptions

Awarded to an Associate Student Member enrolled in full time studies who:

  • Possessed an average of 80% and higher over the past academic year;
  • Demonstrates leadership abilities among their peers;
  • Is active in volunteer and extracurricular activities in the community;
  • Demonstrates professional development in the recreation field and S.A.R.P.;
  • Has not previously received this Award.

The following information must be included with the Nomination Form:

  • Academic performance expressed as an average percentage;
  • Leadership positions held within their program of studies;
  • Participation in the community and/or extracurricular leadership activities (ex. beyond academic requirements) that could include volunteer work or paid work;
  • List of conferences and other educational opportunities attended in the past academic year;
  • List of specific activity in S.A.R.P., including any volunteer work for the Association.

Awarded to a Professional or Associate Member who:

  • Has been in the recreation field for less than 5 years;
  • Has made contributions that are consistent with S.A.R.P.’s Values.

The following information must be included with the Nomination Form:

  • Summary of how the individual has made a significant impact on those they serve;
  • Years of membership in S.A.R.P.;
  • Years in the field.

Awarded to a Professional or Associate Member who:

  • Has been in the recreation field for a minimum of 10 years;
  • Has made contributions that are consistent with S.A.R.P.’s Values.

The following information must be included with the Nomination Form:

  • Summary of how the individual has made a significant impact on those they serve;
  • Years of membership in S.A.R.P.;
  • Years in the field.

Awarded to a Professional or Associate Member who:

  • Has been in the recreation field for a minimum of 15 years;
  • Is being recognized for their entire body of work;
  • Has made a contribution of extraordinary nature at the municipal, regional, provincial or national level over a number of years that has enhanced the leisure service field or the profession;
  • Has made contributions that leave a lasting impact for future professionals.

The following information must be included with the Nomination Form:

  • Years of membership in S.A.R.P.;
  • Years in the field;
  • Summary of accomplishments;
  • Their contribution to the recreation profession at a municipal, regional, provincial or national level;
  • The significance of the impact on the recreation field at a regional, provincial, municipal or national level (examples include work at the CPRA/CTRA level, programming at a municipal level or initiatives to have recreation recognized as an essential service);
  • The legacy left for the profession;
  • Involvement/terms on the S.A.R.P. Task Forces, Committees. and Board of Directors.

Awarded to a Members’ Employer:

  • Who has contributed financially, philosophically, or through time considerations to the continual upgrading and development of their staff in the recreation field;
  • Who has encouraged their staff to attend seminars, conferences, or engaged in work of the Association;
  • Who has initiated innovative strategies to further the development of their employees.

The following information must be included with the Nomination Form:

  • Number of S.A.R.P. members employed;
  • The time off and funding support for employees over the previous 3 years to attend S.A.R.P.-related events, professional development opportunities, volunteer commitments and non-S.A.R.P. continuing education opportunities;
  • Financial assistance for educational leave, membership fees, purchases of resource material and tuition for classes;
  • Summary of any innovative professional development or Benefits of Recreation promotion strategies implemented by the employer (examples include the Community Integration workshop and partnerships with outside agencies to develop staff).

Awarded to a Professional or Associate Member who:

  • Is, or has been, a member of S.A.R.P. for a minimum of 20 years;
  • Has provided valuable services and outstanding contributions toward the aims and objectives of the Association;
  • Has acted as a remarkable mentor to students and/or current recreation practitioners;
  • Has contributed in a n outstanding manner in advocating for new members;
  • Has contributed toward the promotion and furtherance of recreation in Saskatchewan or Canada;
  • Is dedicated to bettering the profession of recreation and the Association.


    The following information must be included with the Nomination Form:

  • Years of membership in S.A.R.P.;
  • Summary of accomplishments;
  • Detailed information on the Nominee’s involvement with the Association and indication of their contributions to S.A.R.P. (include information on volunteer involvement at Board, Committee and Task Force level, as well as special projects and indicate whether the Nominee was a Charter Member of the Association);
  • Lasting financial, political and public relations impact on the recreation profession at the local, regional, provincial, national and international level (examples include work in such areas as grant programs, lobbying efforts, social marketing campaigns or the Benefits of Recreation);
  • The legacy left for the profession.

    ***Current Honorary Life Members include Charter Members of the Association and Members who developed the current recreation delivery system in Saskatchewan. This is S.A.R.P.’s most prestigious Award.***

If you require any further information, please contact the provincial office at
(306) 693-7277 or email office@sarponline.ca