Sidney Crosby among 6 awarded Order of Nova Scotia
Last Updated: Thursday, September 4, 2008 | 2:33 PM AT
CBC News
Hockey star Sidney Crosby has become the youngest recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia.
The 21-year-old captain of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins will receive the award in recognition of his skill on the ice and his support for youth in his home province.
The Cole Harbour native is an "exceptional Nova Scotian," said Premier Rodney MacDonald.
"He's exemplified himself on an international scale and has done extremely well in his profession," MacDonald said Thursday. "And he's a hockey role model for many young people, not only in Nova Scotia but around the world."
Crosby became the youngest player to win the NHL scoring title, at age 19. He's the first person to receive the Order of Nova Scotia in the youth category, introduced in 2007.
He joins five others on the 2008 list announced by Premier Rodney MacDonald. They include:
- Nora Madeline Bernard, the Mi'kmaq activist who launched the legal battle to win compensation for survivors of native residential schools. Bernard, 72, is receiving the award posthumously, following her killing last year.
- Ruth Miriam Goldbloom, driving force behind the restoration of Pier 21 and community fundraiser for numerous events.
- Michael Dan MacNeil, Cape Breton community leader who launched a forestry company that has been a key contributor to the economy for three decades.
- Thomas John (Jock) Murray, former dean of medicine at Dalhousie University and past director of its multiple sclerosis research unit.
- Mahmood Ali Naqvi, Cape Breton doctor who treated injured coal miners and later helped to set up the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.
The six recipients were picked by the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council from about 68 completed nominations.
A ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 8 at Province House. Crosby won't be there.
