NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. – Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Athletics & Recreation was recognized with the Best Theme Night award at the OUA Honour Awards Banquet on Wednesday night in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
TMU's Block Party—a doubleheader volleyball event featuring the Bold women's team against the Ottawa Gee-Gees followed by the men's team taking on the Trent Excalibur on November 7, 2024—earned the honour, marking the first time in school history TMU has won the award.
The Block Party drew TMU's largest volleyball crowd of the season and boasted the third-highest student turnout of any TMU Bold event across all sports. With 74 per cent of attendees being TMU students, the event had a major impact, sparking increased interest and attendance for volleyball throughout the remainder of the season. Overall volleyball attendance grew by nearly 1,000 spectators compared to the previous year, with many fans returning after attending the Block Party.
The theme aimed to build a sense of community—much like a neighbourhood barbecue—while playing off the term "block" in volleyball. Strong partnerships across campus played a key role in the event's success. TMU Residence Life held a contest rewarding the residence floor with the highest turnout with an ice cream party, while the Toronto Metropolitan Students' Union funded a hot food buffet for TMU students and brought in a physical skills game vendor to entertain the crowd.
Engagement continued throughout the night with performances by the TMU A Capella choir (who sang the national anthem and performed during a set break) and the TMU Dance Pak (who performed during each match). The department also introduced a creative "Block Wall" feature, adding a large 'B' each time the Bold recorded a block, supported by newly-purchased 'B' logo signage.
Andrea Langford, Marketing and Events Coordinator for TMU Athletics & Recreation, accepted the award at the banquet at the Queen's Landing Hotel.
2024-25 OUA Honour Awards Winners
Athletes of the Year
Favour Okapli
Western Mustangs, Track & Field
Taylor Elgersma
Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, Football
Coaches of the Year
Vickie Croley
Western Mustangs, Track & Field
Michael Faulds
Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, Football
EDI Award of Excellence
Jacky Beckford-Henriques
Waterloo Warriors
J.P. Loosemore Award
Beth Ali
Toronto Varsity Blues
John McManus Award
Tim Louks
McMaster Marauders
Media Member of Distinction
Rod Mawhood
Brock Badgers
OUA Women of Distinction
Patricia Howes
RMC Paladins
Teams of the Year
Ottawa Men's Hockey
Western Women's Track and Field
Champ Awards
Best Fan Group
Carleton Ravens
The Flock
Best League Championship
Windsor Lancers
Forsyth Cup - Men's Volleyball Championship
Best Open Championship
McMaster Marauders
Swimming Championships
Best Mascot
Midas the Golden Hawk
Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks
Best Social Media Account
Toronto Varsity Blues
@varsityblues - Instagram
Best Theme Night
TMU Bold
Block Party – Volleyball
Best Video Feature
Waterloo Warriors
Indigenous Logo Design
Best Webcast Announcer
Adam McGuire
Waterloo Warriors
Best Webcast Production
Brock Badgers
Brock TV
Outstanding Promotional Video
Windsor Lancers
2024-25 Season Kick-off
Photo of the Year
Dan Inglis
McCaw Cup Championship Celebration
