Stars from the Canadian Paralympic team from the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games took centre stage as their achievements were celebrated at the 2014 Canadian Paralympic Sport Awards ceremony on Friday (19 September).

The Canadian Paralympic Sport Awards celebrate top athletes, recognising their achievements from the most recent Paralympic Games, in addition to honouring and recognising the contribution of coaches and members of the wider Canadian Paralympic Movement.

"There were so many outstanding performances in Sochi and plenty of deserving athletes and coaches for these awards," said Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"I'd like to congratulate today's recipients as well as the entire Canadian Paralympic Team for an outstanding performance in Sochi."

The Canadian Paralympic Team placed third in the medals table in Sochi with 16 medals - seven gold, two silver and seven bronze.

"The commitment, dedication and spirit shown by our athletes in Sochi are an inspiration to all Canadians," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sport.

"We are proud to support the Canadian Paralympic Team and celebrate its remarkable achievements."

The 2014 Sport Award recipients were:

Best Games Debut: 16 year-old para-alpine skier Mac Marcoux and guide Robin Fémy had a brilliant debut in Sochi, winning one gold and two bronze medals.

Best Team Performance: The Canadian wheelchair curling team won its third straight Paralympic Games gold medal with their win in Sochi, setting records along the way for most points and largest margin of victory.

Best Male Athlete: Brian McKeever and guides Erik Carleton and Graham Nishikawa combined to win three gold medals in visually-impaired cross-country skiing in Sochi. McKeever was Canada's most decorated athlete at these Games.

Best Female Athlete: Two-time Paralympian wheelchair curler Ina Forrest used her trademark accuracy and mental focus to help Canada win the wheelchair curling gold medal in Sochi.

Para-Development Coach: Teacher Mari Ellery has been coaching para-sport for over 30 years; her work at the development level in para-canoe has translated in to national and international success for several of her athletes.

Tim Frick Paralympic Coach Excellence: Head coach of the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team, Jean Sébastien Labrie, built a strong culture of performance on the team and guided his squad to eight medals in Sochi, representing half of Canada's total medal haul at the Games.

For more information on the awards, visit the Canadian Paralympic Committee website.