2025-26 OCR STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS

TORONTO - Ontario Collegiate Recreation (OCR) is excited to announce the selection of two Student Leadership Award recipients for the 2025-26 season.

This award honours student leaders who demonstrate exceptional dedication to campus recreation. It recognizes those whose outstanding leadership and peer motivation have significantly elevated the quality of athletic and recreational programming at their institution.

These students are recognized for their unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership within campus recreation. Nominees ranged from technical experts in specific activities to dedicated advocates focused on inspiring broader student participation.

Jasmine Salazar has been the catalyst behind the resurgence of Centennial College’s intramural and campus recreation programming. After a multi-year hiatus, Jasmine took full ownership of the department—spearheading everything from strategic planning and recruitment to daily operations. Her leadership and persistence successfully revitalized these programs, providing over 100 students with vital opportunities for sport, wellness, and community engagement.

Jasmine’s leadership extends well beyond intramurals; she also pioneered the inaugural Varsity Day celebration for the Recreation and Leisure program. As the primary visionary and organizer, she designed a high-energy, end-of-season event that united all sports teams through music, food, and curated team-building activities. Her efforts created a landmark occasion that not only honoured athletic excellence but also bridged the gap between different teams to foster a more unified varsity culture.

Driven by a genuine passion for recreation, Jasmine has successfully bridged long-standing divides between Centennial’s athletic teams. Her initiative has cultivated a newfound sense of camaraderie, fundamentally shifting the institution's recreation culture. The systems she built and the community she fostered leave a lasting footprint on student engagement that will benefit the college for years to come.

Throughout his four years at George Brown Polytechnic, Guillermo Zambrano has been a cornerstone of campus recreation. He stepped into the role of ultimate frisbee captain during his first year — a natural transition after the previous coach departed — and has led the team ever since.

Guillermo approached his leadership with remarkable professionalism and dedication. Beyond coaching and scheduling practices, he founded the campus’s first ultimate frisbee club to sustain interest year-round. The club's success was so significant that it set a new standard for George Brown’s extramural sports programs. For the remainder of his four years, Guillermo continued to lead the program as both club president and team captain.

Guillermo has shown immense growth during his time at George Brown. When recruited for the Unified Basketball team, he embraced the opportunity without hesitation. From the very first practice, his genuine intentions were clear; he intuitively understood his role as both a player and a mentor. Guillermo consistently engages with Special Olympics athletes — learning their names, sharing laughs, and offering constant encouragement. Today, he remains a cornerstone of the Unified team and a model of inclusion for the entire student body.

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For nearly 60 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com