Richmond legends inducted into sports hall of fame

ALAN CAMPBELL acampbell@richmond-news.com

The BC Sports Hall of Fame welcomed some very special Richmondites this week as part of its 2023 inductees

Judo coach and pioneer for the sport Jim Kojima and the all-conquering 1971 Richmond Roadrunners Men’s Lacrosse team now have their place in sporting fame.

Kojima and Roadrunners coach Ron Phillips, along with team captain Gary Bregani, each received a plaque at the ceremony in Vancouver earlier this week

Born and raised in Steveston, Kojima racked up almost 70 years of service devoting most of his life to the sport of judo in various capacities and roles, including as an athlete, coach, referee, official and administrator.

The 1971 Richmond Roadrunners team, meanwhile, won the Canadian Junior A Minto Cup,