We gather today, on the unceded traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat nations.
We are acknowledging this territory’s significance for the Indigenous Peoples who lived, and continue to live upon it and whose practices and spiritualities were tied to the land and continue to develop in relationship to the territory and its other inhabitants today.
We are grateful to be able to live, learn and play on these lands.
SPORTS
Belleville HALL of FAME
A Message from the President of the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame
Welcome to the 27th Induction Ceremony for the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. The rich history of sport in Belleville, and the surrounding area, is added to as we recognize the accomplishments and contributions of five new inductees –Glenn Fortin, Mike Kirby, Steve Stewart, Greg Terrion and the Belleville Yardmen Benefit Fund Ladies Softball Team 1973 - 1977. We are very proud to enshrine their accomplishments in perpetuity in the Dr. R. L. Vaughan Atrium, as they take their rightful place with over 100 previous inductees.
Our thanks go out to the original visionaries who launched the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame in 1987, to the many dedicated hall of fame committee members over the years, and to all the local individuals, associations and businesses who continue to support the operation of the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. A special thank you to the City of Belleville for providing a home and operational support for the Hall of Fame.
Finally, thank you to our present volunteer committee who conduct the affairs of the Hall of Fame and make today’s Induction Ceremony a special event for the Inductees, their family and friends and our community.
Ian Press President
arliament for the Bay of Quinte riding , it is with great pleasure that I welcome friends, fam pportive fans as we acknowledge the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame’s 25th Induction Cerem
As Member of Parliament for the Bay of Quinte riding , it is with great pleasure that I athletes, and supportive fans as we acknowledge the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame’s
As Member of Parliament for the Bay of Quinte riding, it is with great pleasure to welcome friends, family, athletes, and supportive fans to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame’s 27th Induction Ceremony.
w years, we have watched grass grow over the painted lines of soccer fields, dirt blowing ball diamonds, and witnessed the quiet, vacant swimming pools. Until now.
Over the past few years, we have watched grass grow over the painted lines of socce our empty baseball diamonds, and witnessed the quiet, vacant swimming pools. Unt
I wish to congratulate all those being inducted this year. The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame is a chance for your home community to honour you and recognize your many years of outstanding achievement.
As Member of Parliament for the Bay of Quinte riding, it is with great pleasure that I welcome friends, family, athletes, and supportive fans as we acknowledge the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame’s 25th Induction Ceremony.
me together and celebrate the energy of sports and recognize those who make our comm play for all. We have seen how the power of working together as a team can impact us as a community.
Over the past few years, we have watched grass grow over the painted lines of soccer fields, dirt blowing over our empty baseball diamonds, and witnessed the quiet, vacant swimming pools. Until now.
The 2024 inductees have attained prominence in their field of sport whether as a player, mentor or as a team. It is wonderful we get to see this hard work showcased in the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame for years to come.
Now, we can come together and celebrate the energy of sports and recognize those a great place to play for all. We have seen how the power of working together as a te individually and as a community.
e those who have worked tirelessly at perfecting their craft, those who have worked behin eir beloved sport, and those who have reached the top level of sportsmanship.
We acknowledge those who have worked tirelessly at perfecting their craft, those who have worked behind the scenes of their beloved sport and those who have reached the top level of sportsmanship.
Now, we can come together and celebrate the energy of sports and recognize those who make our community a great place to play for all. We have seen how the power of working together as a team can impact us individually and as a community.
We acknowledge those who have worked tirelessly at perfecting their craft, those wh the scenes of their beloved sport, and those who have reached the top level of sport
We acknowledge those who have worked tirelessly at perfecting their craft, those who have worked behind the scenes of their beloved sport, and those who have reached the top level of sportsmanship
to all of this year ’s inductees.
Congratulations to all of this year’s nominee’s!
Congratulations to all of this year ’s inductees.
Sincerely
Congratulations to all of this year ’s inductees
Sincerely
Sincerely
Ryan Williams
Ryan Williams
Member of Parliament Bay of Quinte
Member of Parliament Bay of Quinte
Ryan Williams Member of Parliament Bay of Quinte
Ottawa
113 Justice Building
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Tel.: 613-992-5321
Fax: 613-996-8652
Shelby Kramp-Neuman
M.P. / Députée
Hastings-Lennox and Addington/ Hastings-Lennox et Addington
Shelby.Kramp-Neuman@parl.gc.ca
ShelbyKrampNeumanMP
Napanee 4 Dundas Street West
Napanee, Ontario
K7R 1Z4
Tel.: 613-354-6886
Fax: 613-354-6578
Ivanhoe 11379 Highway 62
Madoc, Ontario
K0K 2K0
Tel.: 613-473-0649
Fax: 613-473-2198
Toll Free: 1-866-471-3800
Welcome to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame
As the Member of Parliament for Hastings-Lennox and Addington it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the 2024 Induction Ceremony of the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame.
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame has recognized many of our elite athletes and builders over the past 25 years. The time and effort that volunteer Committee Members put forward to preserve the accomplishments of our local athletes is a challenging task and I wish to thank everyone who has contributed past and present to this prestigious event.
Congratulations to all the Athletes and their families who are being recognized this year. I know from experience that it takes a lot of hard work, commitment and the support of family and friends to reach the top of your field
You are all true legend’s and an inspiration to us all.
Sincerely,
Shelby Kramp-Neuman
MP
Hastings-Lennox and Addington
Program Of Events
1. Welcome - Master of Ceremonies, Jack Miller
2. Mayor Neil Ellis - Greetings from the City of Belleville
3. Message from the BSHoF - President, Ian Press
4. Presentation of the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
5. Closing Remarks
Committee Members
President- Ian Press
Vice- President- Nancy Popovich
Secretary - Dan Maloney
Treasurer- Jason Lott
Liane Woodley, Randy Uens, Karen Williamson, Stephanie Manderville, Rob Cooke
Support the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame – Your Contribution Matters!
The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame Committee extends heartfelt thanks to the City of Belleville and our community for your ongoing support and contributions. Your generosity has been instrumental in preserving and celebrating our local sports heritage. As a not-for-profit organization, we depend on your financial support to continue honouring the achievements of our athletes and builders. By donating, you directly contribute to the success of events like this one. It’s easy to help—simply add bellevilleshof@gmail.com to your list of e-transfer contacts or send your donation to:
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame
Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville, ON K8N 4V8
SPORTS Belleville HALL of FAME
Donations of any size make a difference! If you would like a receipt for income tax purposes, please include your name and address with your donation.
Your support keeps our Hall of Fame thriving—thank you for being part of our story!
GLENN FORTIN
2024 Inductee
Athlete/Builder, Figure Skating
Glenn Fortin’s involvement in figure skating began at age seven when his parents enrolled him in skating lessons at the Quinte Figure Skating Club (QFSC). Recognizing his potential, his coach encouraged him to continue training and from 1978 to 1987, Glenn excelled by earning numerous medals in local, regional, and provincial competitions. In 1987, Glenn had a stellar year, winning gold in Novice Men at the Eastern Ontario Sectional Championships, the Eastern Canadian Divisional Championships, the Ontario Winter Games and the Canadian National Championships. He received Belleville’s 1987 Athlete of the Year Robinson-Kelleher Memorial Award and the Ontario National Achievement Award. Continuing his education at the University of Ottawa in 1988, Glenn trained at the Gloucester Skating Club and won gold at the Eastern Ontario Junior Men’s Sectionals. He placed seventh at the 1990 Canadian National Championships in Junior Men and first in Senior Men at the 1991 Eastern Ontario Sectional Championships.
Glenn’s competitive career ended in 1991 but his dedication to skating continued. Influenced by his parents’ volunteerism in Belleville, Glenn’s volunteer journey has spanned nearly four decades. Glenn trained as a judge and has officiated at numerous Provincial, National and International competitions. He is now qualified as an International Skating Union Championship Judge as well as an International Referee.
Glenn has also contributed as a builder in figure skating in Ontario. He served as a Board member in Eastern and Central Ontario from 1993 to 2005. He continued to shape skating governance in Ontario as a member of the Skate Ontario Board of Directors from 2017 to 2020 and was elected to the Skate Canada Board of Directors in 2020 and is currently the Chair of the Skate Canada Finance Committee.
Recognized with the 2001 Skate Canada Volunteer Award of Excellence, the 2011 Syl Apps Volunteer Achievement Award and the 2023 Skate Canada Billie Mitchell Award, Glenn exemplifies dedication at the highest level to his sport. We proudly induct Glenn Fortin into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame for his exceptional contributions as both an athlete and builder in figure skating.
MIKE KIRBY
2024 Inductee
Builder, Basketball
Belleville Spirits pioneer Mike Kirby has certainly left his mark on the basketball scene in this community. Born and raised in Belleville, Mike attended both Moira Secondary School and Belleville Collegiate Institute before pursuing his undergraduate and education degrees at Queen’s University in Kingston. While at Queen’s, he was a prominent athlete and a five-year starter on the Golden Gaels basketball team, graduating in 1983.
Mike’s teaching and coaching career began at Centennial Secondary School, continued at Nicholson Catholic College and then at St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School, before retiring in 2012. Throughout his career, Mike was committed to nurturing athletic talent and promoting the principles of sportsmanship and personal development among his students. In 1987, seeing the need for a more challenging platform for elite basketball players in Bay of Quinte schools, Mike, along with Paul Gaudet, created a team comprising grade 11, 12, and 13 girls from five local high schools, naming them the Belleville Spirits. From these modest beginnings with just one team and 12 players, Spirits Basketball has flourished under Mike’s guidance, growing to field provincially competitive and championship teams, along with numerous house league teams focused on player development. Now in its 37th year, Belleville Spirits has profoundly influenced the lives of hundreds of men and women in the Belleville area, continuing to thrive thanks to Mike’s vision and significant foundational investment. Mike has taken on multiple roles within Spirits Basketball, serving as President, Secretary, Treasurer, Coach, and House League Convenor. His relentless dedication has been vital to the organization’s longevity and success.
In 2005, Mike received the OFSAA Leadership in School Sport Award for exemplifying the values of fair play and sportsmanship while fostering enjoyment, personal growth and educational achievement through sports. In 2015, he was honoured as the Quinte Basketball Personality of the Year by the Bay of Quinte Basketball Officials Association, reflecting his profound impact on the local basketball community. Mike Kirby’s induction into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame underscores his steadfast commitment to nurturing young athletes and highlights the incredible influence one dedicated individual can make in the lives of others.
STEVE STEWART
2024 Inductee
Athlete, Powerlifting
Born in Peterborough in 1961, Steven took to sports at an early age playing hockey, box lacrosse, basketball, moto-cross racing and his real passion, football. In fact, Steve played high school football while still in public school. His journey to becoming an exceptional athlete accelerated when his family moved to Belleville in 1979. It was at Moira Secondary that Steve distinguished himself as a standout football player. Following graduation, Steve’s passion shifted to fitness and competitive bodybuilding. His personal drive led to many years of training and eventually competing throughout Ontario.
In 1989, his life took a dramatic turn, when an accident resulted in the loss of his right leg. Despite this life-altering event, Steve’s unwavering spirit and dogged dedication to fitness, saw him push through the intensely challenging and lengthy rehabilitation. During rehab, Steve was approached by Canadian Para Sports and soon after, he began competing against persons with physical disabilities. His first competition, The Ontario Disabled Games, was the beginning of many years of powerlifting competitions, resulting in several Canadian bench press records.
In 1991, Steve’s performance at the Canadian Games won him gold in the 90kg division and qualified him for the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona. He competed against the world’s best in bench press powerlifting, finishing ninth in the 100kg division. After several more surgeries, Steve again focused on preparing to represent Canada, this time at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta where he finished in tenth place. Following 1996, injuries took their toll, forcing Steve to retire from powerlifting competition only to pick up golf soon after. Golf became a passion that turned into competitive play on the amputee golf circuit throughout Ontario and the USA.
Steve Stewart’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and tireless commitment to excellence. His accomplishments in powerlifting and his representation of Canada on the international stage have earned him a deserving place in the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. Today, we honour Steve as an inspiring and remarkable example of excelling in sport and life regardless of physical challenges.
GREG TERRION
2024 Inductee
Athlete, Hockey
One of Marmora’s favourite sons, Greg Terrion excelled in hockey from an early age, leading his PeeWee team to the town’s first ever All Ontario OMHA Championship. He continued to dominate the minor hockey system there, until graduating to the Belleville Bobcats Junior ‘B’ team at age 16. Despite joining the club mid-season and playing only 20 games, Greg tallied 15 goals and 17 assists, impressing scouts enough to be selected in the second round of the Major Junior Entry Draft. He joined the Hamilton Fincups the following season, later playing for the Brantford Alexanders after the franchise relocated. By his final Junior A season, Greg had honed his scoring touch, finishing third in team scoring and eighth in the league with 122 points.
Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the 1980 Entry Draft, Greg began his NHL career with on the west coast before being traded to the Maple Leafs. After two seasons, he was traded to Toronto, playing six years for The Leafs before completing his career with their AHL affiliate. Known for his strong skating and tenacity in the face-off circle, Greg was a defensive specialist, often lining up against the opposition’s top players. In his 561 NHL games, he scored 93 goals and added 150 assists, totaling 243 points. He also contributed 2 goals and 9 assists in 35 playoff games. Although he was unable to play due to injury, Greg said the highlight of his career came in 1986 when he was chosen to play for Team Canada.
Following his playing days, Greg retired to his offseason home in Marmora where he purchased and operated the local Esso station, named 7 Terrions in tribute to his parents and siblings, the #7 Highway and his iconic jersey number with the Leafs.
Despite significant health challenges, including life altering concussions, Greg remained active in his community until his untimely passing from a heart attack in 2018 at age 58. He is survived by his mother, Pat, his wife and lifelong partner, Cindy, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Greg’s enduring legacy in hockey and his deep ties to the community make him a very deserving inductee into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame.
BELLEVILLE YARDMEN BENEFIT FUND LADIES SOFTBALL TEAM 1973-1977
2024 Inductee Team, Softball
The Belleville Yardmen Benefit Fund Ladies Softball Team of 1973-1977 stands as a pinnacle of excellence in Ontario women’s softball. Coached by Doug Lucas, Jack Lucas and Cliff Belch, this team of dedicated athletes showcased talent and determination. Comprising 38 players over five remarkable years, the Yardmen women’s squad dominated their league, with six players contributing consistently each year and three others playing for four consecutive seasons. They claimed the league pennant an impressive four times (1973, 1974, 1975 and 1976), illustrating their consistent excellence in the regular season. Furthermore, they clinched the league championship three times (1973, 1975 and 1976), demonstrating grace under pressure during playoff competition.
Their legacy extends beyond local triumphs; the team earned the prestigious title of All Ontario Provincial Women’s Champions three times (1973, 1976 and 1977), with their inaugural victory in 1973 marking an historic milestone for Belleville women’s softball. Acknowledged by the City of Belleville with Honours & Awards on three occasions (1973, 1976 and 1977), the Yardmen Women were not only champions but also community ambassadors. They competed vigorously in tournaments across Ontario, consistently bringing home top awards for pitching, batting and tournament MVP performances.
According to Brian O’Meara, then Sports Editor at The Intelligencer, the Yardmen Women elevated Belleville softball to a special level in Ontario’s softball circles. With nicknames like Blue, Tula, Haney, Chelsea, Colgate, Pig Pen, Spot, Rapper and Spike, this fierce group of determined athletesturned- friends put Belleville on the softball map. Their infectious energy made them easy to root for, creating unforgettable memories for fans and the community alike.
The Belleville Yardmen Benefit Fund Ladies Softball Team of 1973-1977 remains an enduring symbol of athletic excellence and community pride. Their achievements on the diamond and their impact off the field have left an indelible mark on Belleville’s sporting history. We proudly honour their legacy and welcome them into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. For more information, visit the team website at https://sites.google.com/view/ bybfladiessoftball/home .
Belleville McDonald’s High School Athlete of the Year Award
Outstanding High School Athlete Nominees:
Name (in full) of Nominee:
Krish Chudasama
Alexzander Evans
Brooke Gallagher
Bridget Hancock
Briseis Hunter
Greg Papakiriazis
Evelyn Shakell
Ripken Shaver
Olivia Tracze
Benjamin Vreugdenhil
Tanner Watson
Connor Weido
Kaylee Wyngaarden
Secondary School:
Bayside Secondary School
The Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf
Centennial Secondary School
Bayside Secondary School
Eastside Secondary School
Nicholson Catholic College
Nicholson Catholic College
Eastside Secondary School
St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School
Quinte Christian High School
Centennial Secondary School
St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School
Quinte Christian High School
Through the generosity of Todd Shea, owner of the Belleville McDonald’s Restaurants, the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame Committee conducts the annual High School Athlete of the Year Program. This program recognizes the Senior Female and Male Athletes of the Year from seven local schools- Quinte Christian High School, The Sir James Whitney School for Deaf, Centennial Secondary School, Nicholson Catholic College, St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School, Bayside Secondary School, Eastside Secondary School - and selects the Overall Female and Male Athlete of the Year for Belleville.
This year, the awards were presented in a ceremony at the end of June to enable all of the nominees to be present and be recognized by their peers and family members.
Congratulations to all the nominees! Continued success in all of your future endeavours
Belleville McDonald’s Restaurants congratulate all of the high school athletes nominated for the prestigious Athlete of the Year awards, and take pride in having the overall winners recognized in our name.
We also would like to congratulate all of the 2024 Inductees into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame and thank them for contributing to the history of sport in the Belleville area.
Ottawa
613-992-5321
613-996-8652
Welcome to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame
As the Member of Parliament for Hastings-Lennox and Addington it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame - 2023 Induction Ceremony.
BROOKE GALLAGHER
2023-2024 McDonald’s High School Athlete of the Year
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame has recognized many of our elite athletes and builders for over 25 years. The time and effort that volunteer committee members put forward to memorialize and celebrate the accomplishments of our local athletes is a challenging task and I wish to thank everyone, past and present, who have contributed to this prestigious event.
Kramp-Neuman
Députée
Lennox and Addington/ Lennox et Addington
Neuman@parl.gc.ca
ShelbyKrampNeumanMP
Napanee Dundas Street West Napanee, Ontario K7R 1Z4
613-354-6886
613-354-6578
Ivanhoe
613-473-0649
613-473-2198 -866-471-3800
Congratulations to all those being inducted this year. I know from experience that it takes a lot of hard work, and support from coaches and family to field. I applaud you for your years ou are a true legend, and an inspiration
Thank you to everyone who continues to make a positive contribution to our local communities through Sport.
Brooke Gallagher, honoured as Centennial Secondary’s 2024 Athlete of the Year, is an exceptional multi-sport athlete and leader. Throughout her four years at Centennial Secondary School, Brooke has competed in basketball, rugby, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and golf. She has particularly excelled in basketball and rugby. Brooke played a key role on Centennial’s basketball squad, helping the team achieve Bay of Quinte Gold and COSSA Gold, as well as a silver medal in the OFSAA Basketball Championship.
Neuman MP Lennox and Addington
Beyond school sports, Brooke has been a standout player for the Belleville Bulldogs RFC and has represented the Ontario Blues provincial rugby program. Known for her incredible coachability and outstanding character, Brooke’s presence shines both on and off the field or court. After the remarkable achievement of being recruited by Wilfrid Laurier University for both rugby and basketball, Brooke will be attending WLU on a rugby scholarship in the fall.
Kramp-Neuman
Députée Lennox and Addington/ Lennox et Addington
Welcome to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame
As the Member of Parliament for Hastings-Lennox and Addington it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame - 2023 Induction Ceremony.
GREGORY PAPAKIRIAZIS
2023-2024 McDonald’s High School Athlete of the Year
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame has recognized many of our elite athletes and builders for over 25 years. The time and effort that volunteer committee members put forward to memorialize and celebrate the accomplishments of our local athletes is a challenging task and I wish to thank everyone, past and present, who have contributed to this prestigious event.
Congratulations to all those being inducted this year. I know from experience that it takes a lot of hard work, and support from coaches and family to field. I applaud you for your years ou are a true legend, and an inspiration
Thank you to everyone who continues to make a positive communities through Sport.
Recognized as repeat recipient of Nicholson College’s Athlete of the Year Award, Gregory Papakiriazis is an extraordinary multi-sport talent. Throughout his high school career at Nicholson College, Greg has excelled in rugby, cross country, soccer, basketball, hockey, ultimate frisbee, and tennis. His outstanding performance in basketball contributed to Nicholson College’s success in numerous Bay of Quinte and COSSA tournaments, culminating in NCC securing a gold medal in the 2024 OFSAA Basketball Championship.
Greg’s versatility and dedication across multiple sports are complemented by his remarkable coachability and strong character, solidifying his reputation as a remarkable athlete. Gregory is looking forward to attending Queen’s University for Commerce in the fall and aspires to join the Gaels Basketball team