To mark the 25th Anniversary of Coal Bowl in 2006, the Coal Bowl Board of Directors established a Wall of Recognition to honor those who, over the years, have made an outstanding contribution to the New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic.

This wall is designed to showcase the prestigious Shining Star Awards and will eventually be relocated to its new home within the new Breton Education Centre building.

This year’s recipient has left a lasting legacy on the community of New Waterford through his steadfast leadership; from coaching school and community sports team for five decades to being the driving force behind the development of the highest quality sports and wellness facilities within the town. His dedication was so great that he even sacrificed the street named after him to ensure the construction of the new school and community hub.

Founding both the New Waterford Minor Baseball and Basketball associations along with the New Waterford Wellness Society and of course the New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic, it is no surprise to learn that volunteering has always played a significant role in his life.

To recognize his outstanding contributions to the sports community he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame along with StFX's Hall of Honor in 2015 and the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, and was awarded the Frank Baldwin Award in 2010, the Hugh Nobel Award in 2012 and the Ricoh Sport Nova Scotia Chair Award in 2013 as well as King Charles III’s Coronation Medal in 2024.

Both past and present members of the Coal Bowl Board of Directors, along with former and current tournament participants, know that without his unwavering support and commitment we would not be here today celebrating the 41st anniversary of this one-of-a-kind national basketball tournament.

It is with the utmost honor and respect that the Coal Bowl Board of Directors award Lowell Cormier the 2025 Shining Star Award.