Berwick sports history marks decade of celebration

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

Volunteers behind Berwick’s Sports Hall of Fame say this year’s induction is “going to be a big party.

“It’s amazing after 10 years we’re still here, and there’s a lot of great stuff still coming in,” says committee chairman Mike Trinacty.

“We thought when we started, there’d be an initial rush, and we’d do it as long as we could.”

Past inductees are encouraged to return for this year’s 10th induction, when six athletes, teams and building category recipients will be recognized.

Other than that, and a great big cake, Trinacty says this year’s event June 7 will “stick with what we know.

“What we’re doing seems to be working well - the memorabilia, the presentations, the reception. It’s family oriented and a great night for the community.”

Trinacty says the committee would love to have more material donated, especially old uniforms and sports equipment from Berwick-area teams and players of the past.

“The more we find, the more we’ll put on display.”

The hall of fame hopes to have a permanent home in the Kings Mutual Century Centre when it opens.

Special recognition will be given to Curt Palmer, a member of the Brian Rafuse Tankard winners and provincial senior men’s champs.

Annual recognition for athletes, teams and sports supporters are also being compiled - everything from top-four provincial finishes to holes-in-one (including one this year at Ron Joyce’s Fox Harb’r). To add a name to the list, contact the Berwick Recreation Department, 538-8616, before June 6.

The Berwick band will entertain, there will be refreshments and a social time before and after the ceremony, which gets underway at 7 p.m. at berwick school.



The inductees

• Ron Mahar, athlete: a small engine repair and sales businessman, Mahar made a name for himself around the province and as far as Wisconsin for 1985 woodsman championship events

• Lester Bligh, athlete: from a family of athletes, Bligh was a hockey goalie in high school provincial championships and later junior league title matches

• John Charest, builder: an all-around athlete - bowling, hockey, ball and golf, to name a few • Charest coached multiple Berwick area teams from the 1970s on, organized 50-plus shinny for the past 15 years and still umpires softball

• A.E. Bezanson and Family, builders: Founders of the Berwick Bakery in 1924, A.E. and family (sons Gerald and Frank) were behind Berwick’s first arena campaign, Rainforth Park improvements, provided team vehicles and drivers and employed players of all sports

• Berwick/ Canning Tween Ringette Team 1989/ 90: One team from two communities went on to win the provincial C title, the Sportsmanship Award and inspired the Berwick Petites to win their provincial division that same weekend

• 1949 Berwick Red Sox Juvenile Baseball Team: with few resources - money and men, the Red Sox played from Liverpool to Truro, ending the season as provincial runners-up