Calgary (pps) Alex Gough cashes in for Historic Season: The Canadian luger was one of 17 athletes to receive $1,000 as part of WinSport Canada and the Four Points by Sheraton Calgary’s inaugural 2011-12 Athlete Grant awards. Gough was also the inaugural winner of WinSport Canada’s $5,000 Sarah Burke Performance Award, which is given to any athlete who reaches the podium at a World Cup hosted on WinSport Canada’s facilities. Gough became the first winner after making history by becoming the first Canadian luge athlete ever to win on home ice when she finished on top of the podium in Calgary in December. Nearly 100 applications were received for the grant program, with WinSport Canada and Four Points by Sheraton staff selecting the winners based on achievement, athletic goals and financial need. The grants are restricted to winter sport athletes who use a WinSport Canada facility to train. Gough and the 16 other athletes received their cheques on April 18 during a ceremony at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. “It’s a great award to have and a great way to commemorate someone who did a lot for sport in Canada,” said Gough of the award named in honour of Canadian freestyle skier, Sarah Burke, who tragically passed away during a competition this winter. “It feels great (to win the award). I think it affected everyone in the sport community when she passed away. I think it’s a great way to commemorate her memory and what she did for sport and women in sport.” Finishing fifth overall on the World Cup in 2012, Gough captured the second victory of her career to go along with two bronze medals this season.