Always In Motion

Ontario Cycling 2022 Athletes Of The Year have been chosen

Ontario Cycling has a long history of recognizing some of the top Athletes and Contributors in the Sport within the province. With some of the strongest cyclists in the country and world hailing right here in Ontario, it is our honor to acknowledge these individuals. Over the last decade alone names such as Batty, Dal-Cin, West, Disera, Walsh, and Perry have all been recognized for their accomplishments (some more than once).

In 2022, we have seen some amazing and truly inspirational athletic achievements. World Records, World Championships, first time World Championship medalists and multiple National Champions make up this year’s batch of award recipients. In addition to the athletic achievements this season, we are also happy to recognize one of our long-time officials and the dedication and passion she once again displayed for the sport.

Tim DaSilva BMX Athlete of the Year

Tim DaSilva was an Olympic hopeful in BMX racing. He raced in the Pro class and was a member of Team Ontario. During the last two months of his life, he competed internationally in BMX races in Alberta and Quebec and the National and Provincial races in Ontario. He and his younger brother Christopher were the first BMX racers to receive Quest for Gold funding. Tim’s goal was to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games, but he tragically lost his life on July 15, 2006, when a machine he was operating at Halton Place in Halton Hills tipped. In honour of Tim’s achievements, Ontario Cycling dedicates the BMX Athlete Of The Year award to Tim DaSilvas’s legacy.

Ryan Victor Griffin Memorial Award

Ryan Victor Griffin was born August 16, 1992, in Peterborough, Ontario, the youngest of 3 children for Andy and Denise Griffin and a brother to Hannah and Parker. From an early age, Ryan demonstrated a love for the outdoors and being active. He did cross-country biking a few years before discovering his true passion – Downhill racing. Ryan was a dedicated racer on the Ontario Cup Downhill circuit from 2006-2009 and always took the time to give back to the cycling community. Sadly, Ryan passed away suddenly on November 2, 2021.

The Griffin Family wishes to honour both Ryan’s passion for cycling as well as his incredible dedication and generosity to the cycling community through the implementation of this award. Ontario Cycling knows this award will produce a lasting legacy for Ryan’s contributions to the sport he loved and showcase the youth in the Downhill Mountain Bike community.