WEBER RECEIVES FRED BATLEY OCR LEADERSHIP AWARD

TORONTO – Ontario Collegiate Recreation (OCR) is proud to announce that Elana Weber of Georgian College has been named its 2024-25 Fred Batley OCR Leadership Award winner.

The Fred Batley OCR Leadership Award was established to recognize an OCAA institution staff member who provides outstanding student-centered programming, innovative recreation engagement approaches and building community within their institution and within the OCR.

Elana has been a dedicated and impactful leader in campus recreation, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, engaging and innovative recreational experiences for students. As a leader at Georgian, Elana has played a crucial role in shaping and enhancing recreational programs that prioritize student well-being, community engagement and active living.

Elana has been at the forefront of introducing innovative recreation approaches that have transformed student engagement within Georgian and across the OCR. At Georgian, Elana spearheaded the launch of adaptive and inclusive recreation initiatives, breaking down barriers for students with disabilities to participate fully in campus recreation.

Additionally, Elana implemented creative wellness programming that integrates mental health awareness with physical activity, recognizing the holistic benefits of recreation on student success. As OCR President, Elana has also championed initiatives that encourage cross-institution collaboration, ensuring that recreation programming remains dynamic and student-centered across all member institutions.

"Elana's passion for student-centered recreation is evident in everything she does. She has a remarkable ability to inspire students, staff and colleagues to embrace the value of recreation in fostering personal growth, well-being and community building," praised Ashley Mamone, Facilities Supervisor at Mohawk College Athletics & Recreation and OCR Committee Member at Large. "Through mentorship and advocacy, she empowers student leaders to take ownership of recreation programs, instilling confidence and leadership skills that extend beyond their time on campus."

Formerly the Operations Manager of Georgian Athletics and Recreation, Elana has transitioned into another managerial role at Georgian College, overseeing Student Leadership and Governance.

"In my experience over the past nine years with Elana, as both a campus rec colleague, fellow OCR committee member and most recently as my manager at Georgian, she has never failed to impress me with her passion, dedication and commitment to campus recreation at the collegiate level," praised Sterling Ivany, Georgian College Athletic Department Campus Recreation Coordinator and OCR REC Conduct Coordinator. "Elana is a true champion of campus recreation and her impact on the OCR will be a lasting one."

Elana received the award at the OCR plenary at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association general meeting being held in Toronto from May 5-8.

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ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For over 50 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com