On May 22, 2026, the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, presented the 2025 Premier’s Medals for Arts, Heritage, Sport and Recreation to the following recipients:
For their contributions to Sport
Blair Bradbury
Blair Bradbury has been a driving force in the development of judo and martial arts in Newfoundland and Labrador for more than 50 years. Beginning his judo journey in 1969, he became a respected coach, official, administrator, and sport builder, founding clubs and expanding opportunities for athletes province wide. Blair has a 4th degree black belt in judo and, at the age of 73, earned a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. His leadership at provincial, national, and international levels has elevated the profile of Newfoundland and Labrador sport.
Carl Lake
Carl Lake (1952–2020) devoted more than five decades to championing local sport in Newfoundland and Labrador as a journalist, broadcaster, and official. Through television, radio, and digital media, he ensured community athletes and leagues received consistent, meaningful coverage. Carl also served as a baseball umpire for an unprecedented 53 consecutive years. Inducted into multiple halls of fame, his legacy is defined by dedication, innovation in sport media, and lifelong service to athletes and the sporting community.
Denis Murphy
Denis Murphy (1935–2018) devoted his life to advancing sport in Newfoundland and Labrador as a journalist, broadcaster, coach, administrator, and historian. For more than 50 years, he chronicled and promoted sport across print, radio, and television, shaping how generations experienced and understood athletics. A driving force in the Royal St. John’s Regatta, softball, hockey, and community sport development, Denis helped establish and lead key provincial and national sport organizations. Inducted into multiple halls of fame, his enduring legacy is defined by service, storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to sport in the province.
Gary Martin
Gary Martin has been a cornerstone of sport leadership and volunteerism in Newfoundland and Labrador for more than three decades. A nationally respected sport administrator, he has served in senior leadership roles with Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and Team NL, including as Chef de Mission and Assistant Chef de Mission at multiple Canada Games. Gary’s impact spans hockey, soccer, officiating, and coach development, with a particular commitment to athlete safety, inclusion, and volunteer excellence. He recently was selected to attend FIFA2026 in Vancouver, BC to ensure a safe environment for athletes and those attending the upcoming World Cup of Soccer. His steady leadership and service have strengthened sport systems and enriched opportunities for athletes across the province.
Hank Summers
Hank Summers has dedicated more than five decades to advancing amateur boxing in Newfoundland and Labrador as an athlete, coach, official, and sport leader. A founding force behind the TRC Boxing Club, he guided generations of athletes to success at provincial, national, and international competitions, including the Canada Games. Nationally, Hank served Boxing Canada for over 20 years in senior leadership roles, including President of the national sport organization, and represented Canada at the Olympic and Pan American Games. Inducted into multiple halls of fame, his legacy is defined by leadership, mentorship, and lifelong service to sport.
Joanne MacDonald
Joanne MacDonald has been a trailblazer in wheelchair sport for more than five decades. A member of Team Canada for 14 years, she competed at the Paralympics, Pan American Games, and international championships in track, basketball, and wheelchair curling. An elite athlete and tireless advocate, Joanne helped grow wheelchair sport as a coach, administrator, mentor, and ambassador for inclusion across Newfoundland and Labrador. Her leadership and achievements have earned her induction into multiple halls of fame, along with the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Order of Canada.
Michelle Healey
Michelle Healey (1973–2024) was an influential sport and recreation leader in Newfoundland and Labrador, leaving a lasting legacy as an elite athlete, administrator, and mentor. A standout athlete with the Memorial Sea-Hawks, she became one of the most decorated women’s basketball players in AUS history and was widely regarded as its greatest shooter. Beyond competition, Michelle shaped sport at every level—as Director of the Sport and Recreation Division within the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Athletic Director at Memorial University, and as a senior provincial sport leader—championing female sport, advancing gender equity, and elevating opportunities for women and girls’ youth development to thrive. Her visionary leadership transformed opportunities for athletes across the province.
Robin Short
Robin Short (1965–2021) made a profound impact on sport and community in Newfoundland and Labrador as an award-winning journalist, coach, and volunteer. As Sports Editor of The Telegram for more than 30 years, he shaped the province’s sports narrative with integrity, insight, and compassion, earning multiple Atlantic Journalism Awards. Beyond the page, Robin coached, refereed, mentored youth, and quietly removed barriers to sport for countless young athletes. A tireless advocate for inclusion, his legacy lives on through the athletes, stories, and communities he helped build.
Tony Flood
Tony Flood has dedicated more than 50 years to advancing sport in Newfoundland and Labrador as an athlete, coach, educator, and sport builder. A multi-sport athlete and accomplished baseball coach, he represented the province nationally, coached at four Canada Games, and contributed to Team Canada’s Youth Team’s gold-medal success at the 1991 World Baseball Championship. Nationally respected as a coaching educator, Tony helped shape Baseball Canada’s coaching system. As a long-time physical education teacher and university instructor, his lasting legacy is the generation of athletes, coaches, and leaders he has inspired across the province.
Wendy Mercer
Wendy Mercer has devoted more than 60 years to figure skating as an athlete, coach, mentor, and volunteer with the Prince of Wales Skating Club. A competitive skater in her youth, she began coaching as a teenager and has since guided generations of athletes across all skating disciplines, including adaptive and adult skating. A nationally certified coach, Wendy has coached skaters to success at regional, provincial, and national levels, including the Canada Games. Her unwavering dedication, leadership, and advocacy have helped build and sustain the province’s largest skating community.
For their contributions to Recreation
Garry Gosse
Garry Gosse has dedicated more than 40 years to advancing recreation and wellness in Newfoundland and Labrador through outstanding municipal and provincial leadership. As Recreation Director with the Town of Clarenville, he helped build programs, facilities, and community trail systems that made Clarenville a provincial model for inclusive, active living. His impact extended province wide through leadership roles with the Clarenville Area Recreation Association and as Past President of Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador. Garry’s vision, commitment, and lifelong service have strengthened communities and created lasting social and economic benefits across the province.
Gary Milley
Gary Milley has made an exceptional contribution to recreation, wellness, and community development in Newfoundland and Labrador with over 45 years of dedicated leadership and volunteer service. He held senior roles with organizations including Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, ParticipACTION, and provincial wellness and recreation boards, while also helping shape national recreation, sport, and physical activity strategies. A founding leader of Tidy Towns NL and a key architect of the province’s first Recreation and Sport Strategy, Gary’s work has strengthened communities, advanced active living, and created lasting impact across the province.
Marina Redmond
Marina Redmond (1963–2023) made a lasting impact on recreation and community life in Corner Brook through decades of public service, volunteerism, and leadership. During 27 years with the City of Corner Brook, she supported countless recreation and sport initiatives, including the 1999 Canada Winter Games. Marina was instrumental in introducing pickleball to the community in 2019, sparking a movement that continues to grow province wide. Her legacy lives on through the Marina Redmond Recreation Centre and the annual Marina Redmond Pickleball Fest, which celebrate her passion for inclusion, wellness, and community connection.
Paul Lahey
Paul Lahey has made a lasting contribution to recreation in Newfoundland and Labrador through nearly four decades of leadership in community development and education. As Executive Director of the Virginia Park Community Centre (1987–2001), he expanded inclusive recreation, social, and employment opportunities. Since 2001, as an instructor in the Community Recreation Leadership program at the College of the North Atlantic, he has shaped curriculum, mentored future professionals, and supported graduates in building meaningful careers. His leadership extends nationally through PGI Canada and the Peter Gzowski Foundation for Literacy. Recognized with numerous honours, including honorary membership in Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, his legacy is reflected in generations of recreation leaders across the province.
Randy Murphy
Randy Murphy has transformed recreation and outdoor access in Newfoundland and Labrador through 30 years of visionary volunteer leadership. As President and CEO of the East Coast Trail Association, he dedicated over 40,000 hours to building the 336-kilometre East Coast Trail from a seemingly impossible dream into an internationally acclaimed destination, creating economic opportunity in the wake of the cod moratorium. He mobilized hundreds of volunteers, forged partnerships with 24 coastal communities, and secured over $12 million in investment. Under his leadership, the Trail has become a world-class recreational infrastructure driving tourism, community resilience, pride of place, and economic growth while promoting physical, mental, and environmental wellbeing for all.
For their contributions to the Arts
Kathleen Knowling
Born in 1927, Kathleen Knowling grew up in St. John’s and after her early years at Bishop Spencer College, earned a History Degree from Barnard College of Columbia University in New York. She began painting at the Newfoundland Academy of Art and through MUN Extension Services. Since 1975, she has exhibited widely across Canada, and her work is held at The Rooms and in numerous collections provincially, in Canada, the UK, and the US. Over the years she has been recognized for her civic involvement with St. John’s Library Board of Directors, The Grenfell Association, Visual Artists NL and the Federation of University Women. Ms. Knowling is a founding member of the Group of 77, continues to sketch and paint daily, and leads a weekly group of artists in her ‘Sunday Group’.
Susan Furneaux
Susan Furneaux is an artist, educator and craft consultant in Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 30 years, Furneaux has specialized in natural dye and fibre techniques, learning, teaching, exhibiting and being collected throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, nationally and internationally. Furneaux has won multiple awards for her embroidery, natural dye and innovative use of natural materials. As a typically bespoke fine craftsperson and artist with a holistic approach, Furneaux’s career and practice are increasingly celebrated in contemporary art spaces around the world. Currently an instructor at the College of the North Atlantic’s Textile & Apparel Design, she believes that sharing knowledge is an important part of being human.
For their contributions to Heritage
Winston Perry
Winston Perry of Newtown , New-Wes-Valley is one of the driving forces behind the Barbour Living Heritage Village. His love for his community is evident in every project, including the restoration of historic buildings; ensuring that traditions and stories of the region endure for generations. His involvement with the Cape Freels Development Association allowed for an active role in the creation of engaging storyboards and other historically significant landmarks throughout the area. Winston’s passionate dedication to preserving culture has played a crucial role in keeping this region’s heritage alive and vibrant, thus providing meaningful experiences for visitors and residents alike.
Witless Bay Heritage Commitee
The Witless Bay Heritage Committee was formed in 2004 with the mission to promote, preserve and celebrate the natural, built and cultural heritage of the town and its people. It has sponsored various projects, such as the designation of the Old Cemetery as a Municipal Heritage Site, and an Inventory of Pre-1930s houses. In 2021, after years of interviews with elders, the book Bygone Days of Witless Bay was published. It won the Manning Award for Excellence in Public Presentation of Historic Places. The Heritage Committee is also a recipient of the Award of Merit from the Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.