[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/LiamStevensAward09.jpg” caption=”Liam Stevens Award recipient Aminu Bello. Photo by Charlotte Peer. “]Junior guard Aminu Bello is this year's recipient of the Liam Stevens Award. The award was presented at the McMaster Marauder Courtside Club year-end banquet by Liam Stevens' parents, Angela and Dale Stevens.

Bello, a 6'0″ tall geography major and Hamilton native, is one of the most electrifying players in the OUA West. Blessed with many offensive skills, the graduate of Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School can create scoring opportunities in many different ways. His quickness creates transition baskets, while he also possesses a strong perimeter game. Bello rebounds extremely well for a guard, often turning defence into instant offense for the Maroon and Grey.

The award is named for Liam Stevens, who passed away in February 2001 at the age of 22 months. It is presented annually to the Marauder player who best exemplifies the qualities of a positive attitude, hard work and determination.

“Liam was a remarkable child,” commented Dale Stevens, an accountant for the School of Nursing. “He was faced with many obstacles in his short life, including open heart surgery, developmental delays, and other medical issues. But through it all, Liam was the happiest, most determined child in the world. He would bounce back from every setback, happier and fuller of life than the time before.”

Following his passing, Angela, an elementary school teacher in Dundas, and Dale, a 20-year McMaster employee, decided to honour him. In addition to the Liam Stevens Award, a fund was established in his name at the McMaster Children's Hospital.

“Aminu possesses the qualities we are trying to represent with this award,” said Dale Stevens. “He works hard all the time. Aminu is also a 'character-guy,' who works well in the team concept. His explosive playing style often results in one injury or another, but Aminu works hard to get himself back on the floor, all the while supporting his teammates.”

Angela and Dale Stevens are very honoured to add Aminu Bello's name to the list of recipients of the Liam Stevens Award.

Previous winners include Doug Doyle (2000/01), Justin Boye (2001/02), Charles Kissi (2002/03), Steve Martin (2003/04), Matt Wood (2004/05), Jeremy Patry (2005/06), Martin Ajayi and Adam Steiner (2006/07) and Joe Polizzi (2007/08).

For more information about the fund, or to donate, please contact Dale Stevens at stevensd@mcmaster.ca.