By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
There were smiles, standing ovations and even a few tears as nearly 200 guests gathered on June 19 at the MURC for a historic moment in the sporting history of Georgina: the Induction Ceremony for the Sports Hall of Fame.
Hosted by Mayor Margaret Quirk, the evening celebrated athletic achievement, and the people whose dedication, leadership and passion have helped shape generations of local athletes.
“This is the beginning of a new tradition,” said Mayor Quirk. “Sport brings us together, creates lifelong friendships and builds confidence in our youth.”
The inductees were the late Ken Hackenbrook, honoured in the Builder category, and Mike Sedore, honoured as both Athlete and Builder.
For many in attendance, Hackenbrook’s induction was particularly emotional.
A longtime Georgina resident, coach, mentor and former councillor, Hackenbrook helped establish the Georgina Hockey School and introduced more than 1,000 children to the game. His wife, Lorraine, accepted the award alongside their son Dave.
“He would be so honoured, so humbled and so proud,” said Lorraine. “The most important thing to Ken was that kids have fun. He believed in respect, equality and making everyone feel included. Those values are just as important as learning how to skate.”
Councillor Dale Kerr Genge recalled the impact Hackenbrook had on her own family.
“Both of my boys went through Ken’s hockey school,” she said. “It was a fantastic start for them. It’s important that we recognize people like Ken and celebrate the successes of our residents. That’s what builds community.”
Mike Sedore’s induction also drew warm applause. A champion fastball player and member of the Softball Canada Hall of Fame, Sedore has spent nearly three decades coaching and mentoring young athletes.
“Fastball and hockey gave me opportunities, lifelong friendships and memories I will always treasure,” he said. “Being recognized by the community where my story began makes this honour especially meaningful.”
The evening’s keynote speaker, Olympian medallist and Keswick native Erin Ambrose, reminded guests that sports are about much more than trophies.
“It’s not just about one sport, she said. “It’s about being involved, the friendships made and the lessons learned.”
The ceremony also recognized the Keswick High School Girls Varsity Hockey Team, the first to be named to the Sports Team Honour Roll.
For Brooklynn Vito, this recognition carries special meaning.
“When I was a child, there weren’t many women hockey players,” she said. “Now my little sisters, who also play hockey, have a local team to look up to!”
Among the guests was Brian Busby, president of the Pefferlaw Lions Club. “The Hall of Fame is fantastic for this region,” he said. “We like seeing people succeed and we want to support them.”
The creation of the Hall of Fame was years in the making. For committee member Jim Anderson, the evening represented the realization of a long-held dream.
“This has been a dream of mine for 10 years,” said Anderson. “I’m thrilled to witness this opening and to be part of the Hall of Fame committee. I’ve been in the mayor’s ear for a decade suggesting this. It’s great to see it finally happen, and I hope it lives forever.”
The Hall of Fame display is now open at the Multi-Use Recreation Complex, and nominations are already being accepted for 2027.
If the enthusiasm and emotion surrounding this inaugural ceremony are any indication, Georgina will have no shortage of deserving candidates in the years ahead.
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