Presented by RBC Royal Bank, the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards are recognized as the premier national awards gala in the African-Canadian community and a coveted symbol of achievement. The winners receive awards in sixteen categories: Academics, Athletics, Arts, Business, Community Service, Diversity, Entertainment, Health Sciences, Leadership, Lifetime Achievement, Media, the President's Award, Professional Excellence, Technology & Innovation, Trailblazer, and the Young Entrepreneur Award.
Jamaica's Usain Bolt and [Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pruce]-Pryce, along with Jessica Ennis, Missy Franklin, Andy Murray, Michael Phelps, Ye Shiwen, Bradley Wiggins and Serena Williams, are among those who received nominations when the shortlist was announced in Rio de Janeiro Monday, December 17. With the exception of Lindsey Vonn, who won her fourth overall skiing World Cup in five years, the nominations for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award are all dominated by the Olympics. Jamaica's Shelly- Ann Fraser-Pryce, the fastest woman on earth after successfully defending her 100m Olympic title, and Britain's Jessica Ennis, who won the heptathlon gold in front of an ecstatic home crowd, are also among the six nominees.
