MARKHAM, ON (September 25, 2008) – Each year the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) recognizes two outstanding junior golfers who have shown a commitment to the game of golf, academics, and community volunteerism.  The CJGA is pleased to announce the 2008 recipients of the Mizuno All-Canadian Ward, Michael Ayotte of Whitby, Ont. and Chelcia Petersen of Calgary, Alta.

"Mizuno Canada Ltd extends its congratulations to both Michael and Chelcia as recipients of the 2008 Mizuno All Canadian Award,” said Mark Hansen, Director of Sales and Marketing for Mizuno’s Golf Division.  “Both of these individuals have exemplified a high level of academic standard, community service and commitment to their game. We are very pleased with the selections for this year’s award. Mizuno Canada Ltd. looks forward to its continued support of the CJGA and the Mizuno All Canadian Award.”

Ayotte, 18, completed his final year of high school in 2008 at R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I. in Oshawa, Ont. where he graduated with an academic average of 80% along with an international language certificate.  He will pursue his studies in the fall at the University of Windsor, majoring in kinesiology. 

On a community level, Michael has donated much of his time to raising funds for an illness that is close to home for him and his family.  For the past five years he has participated in such fundraising events as the Art Auction for Epilepsy and as well as a half marathon to raise funds for Epilepsy Toronto.  Michael’s sister suffers from a seizure disorder.  His family is currently working to open the Abilities Dream Centre in Whitby, a facility that will offer essential needs and services for those who are mentally challenged.  “We’re very excited about this new facility,” says Ayotte.  It will provide physiotherapy, recreation, and basically help for the disabled.  It’s something that is very close to home for us.”

2008 was a banner year for Ayotte on the golf scene as he collected a division win at the CJGA Adams Golf Junior Classic to go along with three top-five finishes.  He also earned a spot on CJGA Team Canada at the Euro Junior Golf Cup in St. Andrews, Scotland where he earned three points for the Canadian side in helping the team to a second place finish.  “It was an exciting year, playing for CJGA Team Canada in Scotland and qualifying for some GAO events.  I played my best golf ever this summer.” Michael is a member of Cedar Brae Golf Club in Toronto.

“I’d like to thank everyone in my extended family for their support over the years,” he says.  I’ve been playing golf since I was 3 years old and everyone has helped me along the way.”

“I was soon to learn that golf is not just the toughest of all sports; for many, it is truly a compulsion.  You play yourself and make the outdoor elements your friend,” wrote Calgary’s Chelcia Petersen, a member of Glencoe Golf Club, in the essay submitted with her Mizuno All-Canadian Award application.

The 17 year-old student of Western Canada High School may seem like an unlikely choice for an award that recognizes golf achievement considering her presence on Canada’s national junior badminton team where she will represent her country at the upcoming World Juniors in Pune, India in October.  However, Petersen has shown a commitment to the game of golf over the past three years, culminating with a victory this past July at the CJGA Big Chief Beef Jerky Alberta Championship where she carded a division low 76 during the final round to win by a single stroke.  She also finished in 7th spot at the Alberta Junior Girls Championship and competed in the RCGA Royale Canadian Junior Girls Championship in Winnipeg.  “Though many of the skills aren’t transferable from badminton to golf, it did teach me to stay patient and I’ve learned how to stay mentally tough,” she says.  “I love to compete.”

“It’s such an honour to win this award considering the number of talented golfers who apply,” admits Petersen.  “To even be considered in the same group is an honour.”

Academically, Chelcia has shone in the classrooms of Western Canada High School where she has compiled an academic average of 90.2 %.  She will return for her final year during the 08/09 school year and is leaving her long term options open.  “I love golf,” she says.  “I’d love to get into a great school and play at the collegiate level.  If I put as much effort into golf as I have into badminton, I feel like I can really excel.”

On a community level, Petersen has volunteered with Teams4Teens for the past three years, a project initiated in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary that supplies homeless teens in Calgary with a backpack filled with essential survival needs. “It’s a program our family started when we noticed a ton of kids around our high school who were struggling on the streets.  My sister and I donated some of our own clothing at the beginning. We’ve started applying for grants and brought in over $7000 through corporate sponsorship.”

For Chelcia, the game of golf is more than just a sport as she poignantly reflects in her essay:

“I heard my mother say that people had commented about my mental stamina and that it was what held my game together.  I laughed as I realized that this is part of the wonderment of golf, the fascination that addicts thousands to this sport.  Golf parallels life as it tousles us onto paths we do not expect and leads us into unknown territory.  Perhaps that is why it is respected by so many people around the world.  Golf is a sport that is all about life.”

Both Michael and Chelcia will be presented with their awards, including a custom set of Mizuno irons and Mizuno golf bag, following the first round of the CJGA Baka Fall Series at Horseshoe Valley Golf Club in Barrie, Ont. on September 27th.  The CJGA would like to thank all those who applied for the prestigious award and would like to congratulate Michael and Chelcia for their outstanding efforts.

Previous Mizuno All-Canadian Award Winners
Robbie Greenwell - 2002
Jessica Potter - 2002
Kira Meixner - 2003
Jason Bell - 2003
Adam McCauley - 2004
Laura Harris - 2004
Cory Renfrew - 2005
Brittany Henderson - 2005
Olivier Cardoso - 2006
Brittany Henderson - 2006
Michael Bosch- 2007
Julia Hodgson - 2007

ABOUT MIZUNO
Mizuno has built a reputation for producing the best forged irons in the industry. Mizuno's popular line of MP irons has become the choice of many top players in golf and the PGA Tour. Mizuno has established a reputation in the game improvement area with the success of the MX series of irons. The company is also very well known for their wedges, woods, putters, bags and accessories.  For additional information please visit www.mizunocda.com.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION
Registered federally as a not-for-profit association, the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer.  The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.

The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partners, HSBC Bank Canada and LEXUS.

For Additional Information:
Rick Betts
Director, Media Relations and Communications
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1.877.508.1069 Ext. 233
rick.betts@cjga.com