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News June 8, 2013

Andre Durie Named 2012 Pro Athlete Of The Year By Mississauga Sports Council

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

TORONTO – Slotback for the Toronto Argonauts and native of Mississauga, Ontario, Andre Durie has been awarded the 2012 Pro Athlete of the Year Award by the Mississauga Sports Council.  On June 6, Durie attended the 39th Annual Sports Dinner where he was presented with the award.  

“I am honoured to be named the 2012 Mississauga Pro-Athlete of the Year,” Durie said.  “To be recognized by the city is a big thing for me.  Getting the chance to play in front of my hometown definitely helped my game.  Not the way I played or my skill, but it motivated me playing in front of family and friends.”  Durie has been committed to football on and off the field over the course of his collegiate and professional career.  “[The younger generation trying to play football] needs to know to always stay committed.  There will always be obstacles, but you cannot let them prevent you from reaching your goals.”  Andre can attest to fighting through obstacles after suffering a devastating knee injury while at York; doctors told him he may never walk again.

Nick Volpe, hero of the 1950 Mud Bowl and current Argonauts consultant has not only been a long friend of Andre Durie, but was also inducted to the Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.  In 2011, Volpe sat at the head table at the 38th Annual Sports Dinner, and says that what Andre must be feeling is indescribable.  “I am sure he is thrilled! Mississauga is a big city – one of the biggest in Canada!  It is a very big honour for him.  [This award] is always exciting.”

Nick has been a fan, friend, and scout of Andre since he was at York University.  He can attest to his great attitude, but it’s Andre’s athleticism that impresses Nick the most.  “In university, he was a great kid but he was one of the best college athletes I have ever seen.  After the injury, everyone thought his career was over but the type of kid he is, he worked hard and came back.  As a player, he gets better every year.”

2012 was a year to remember for Durie as he has captured not only this prestigious award from the Mississauga Sports Council but his first Grey Cup championship.