The LaFace of the Community award goes to a member of the community selected by the community for their contributions to axe throwing and for exemplifying the best of IATF ideals. The recipients of this award is a community member who leads by example to create a positive and supportive competitor-friendly community. They promote positive sportsperson-like behaviour and are leaders in our community. Not all leaders lead from the front and a deserving person might be working diligently behind the scenes to make axe throwing the best sport and the best community it can be.
Winners of the 2026 LaFace Awards:

Danté W Dunn
from Urban Axes Cincinnatti
Here's what the community had to say about Danté:
"Peachy D reminded us how to have fun while throwing. He was the unofficial face of the Urban Open Baltimore where many of us met
him for the first time. Known for his epic style and amazing karaoke skills he'd pump up the crowd and remind us that energy is how we
all started in this sport. He was always kind and supportive to all of us competing. Peachy D has been taken from us too soon and leaves
a void that can never be filled."
"He truly loved the sport and the competition that it brings, he would razz you in the lanes while still cheering you on with every bull and clutch you hit. His enthusiasm for the sport and love for the community was infectious, and he would light up every room, with both his spirit and his bright pink outfits."
Ericka Gannon
from Urban Axes Baltimore
Here's what the community had to say about Ericka:
"She is the perfect embodiment of why this community is amazing. She embraces every single person like family and her smile genuinely
lights up a room. She raises everyone around her by her kindness and support. She is just one of the best human beings I have ever met."
"She's an absolute delight and continues to be a bright spot in the community. She always brings the energy and good vibes. Ericka brings people together. She finds what's special about each person and works to amplify it. She truly embodies what it means to be a person for the community."

47 community members were nominated, and over 400 people voted to award this year's LaFace of the Community Award.
This year, in partnership with Throwing It Forward, the IATF was proud to award the TiF Volunteer Award to a Clutch Community Volunteer who went above and beyond in their contributions to support the 2026 International Axe Throwing Championships.
Winner of the 2026 TiF Volunteer Award:

Andrea Heisz
from Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing Asheville
Andrea volunteered across multiple days at IATC. She offered her experience to each event and upgraded the live streams at each venue. Andrea brought enthusiasm and dedication everywhere she went. Thank you, Andrea!
OUR SPORT · OUR COMMUNITY · OUR FEDERATION

