Brantford Sports Council hosted its 20th annual Sports Awards and Recognition ceremony at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Research and Academic Centre West on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Bill Harding, chair of the Brantford Sports Council (BSC), and master of ceremonies Carmine Romano, kicked off the event by welcoming the attendees.
After the national anthem, Harding paid tribute to the late Jason La Ronde, recognizing his contributions to sport through the Brantford Minor Softball Association and the BSC.
The program continued with a declaration from David McKee, Brantford’s town crier, followed by remarks from Mayor Kevin Davis and Larry Brock, MP for Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations.
“To all the athletes that are being honoured here today, you truly represent the best of our community. Not just by what you’ve achieved, but what you’ve shown us through your teamwork and dedication; you’ve shown us what it is that makes Brantford, I think in some ways, unique,” said Davis. “I also want to recognize all of the officials, the coaches and the volunteers, because sport in Brantford would not happen without everything that you do. I think it’s inspiring how you give your time and your energy, not to improve yourself, but to help other people achieve their best. And that’s a great lesson for all of us because that has a lasting impact way beyond the next game or the next season.”
A video message from Ontario’s Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden, was then played for those in attendance.
“Congratulations to all today’s award winners. Your hard-working commitment to sport has earned you this recognition, and you should be very proud. I also want to congratulate the Brantford Sports Council on 20 outstanding years of celebrating excellence in sport and the people who make it possible. This award ceremony is a powerful reminder of the impact sport has on your community,” he said. “For two decades, the council has strengthened local support by recognizing achievement, supporting development and bringing people together. Today, we celebrate the athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers whose passion and dedication inspire the entire Brantford community. But none of this could happen without the support behind the scenes: the parents, families and friends who are there to cheer along every step of the way, whether it’s early morning practices or long drives to weekend tournaments, your support makes a huge difference.”
The 2025 nominees for each award were then brought up to the front of the room and recognized for their work before the following winners were announced:
Kevin Finney Memorial Award – Sportsmanship and Dedication
Will Finch, Football
Phyllis Gretzky Memorial Award – Female Youth Leadership
Ryleigh Lofgren, Multi-Sports
Frank Bricker Memorial Award – Male Youth Leadership
Trudeau Gulati, Multi-Sports
Dave Levac Award – Excellence in Sports Officiating
Andrew Advincula, Volleyball
John Macklin Memorial Award – Coach of the Year
Teodora Stefanovic, Tennis
George Churchill Memorial Award – Sports Volunteer of the Year
Nick Esposito, Basketball
Jack Calbeck Memorial Award – Lifetime Sports Sponsorship
Rogers tv
George Jones Memorial Award – Lifetime Sports Volunteerism
Trevor Cherewka
Jimmy Wilkes Memorial Award – Team of the Year
Brantford Ice Cats 11U A Team
Community Ambassador Award
Bill Harding
Sport Event Excellence Award
Brantford Harlequins Rugby Football Club
Annual $1,000 Domino’s Bursary Award
Female recipient – Sydney Kipp
Male recipient – Noah Terejko
As the awards ceremony wrapped up, Harding thanked the BSC’s sponsors for their support, took a moment to speak about those who make the BSC’s work possible, and told the athletes to cherish the relationships they’ve made along the way and to enjoy the present.
Romano later wrapped up the event by thanking all those who make sport happen in the community.
“To all the coaches, volunteers, officials, organizers and anybody that has anything to do with sports, thank you very much,” he said. “To the athletes who are giving back in their own ways, you’ve already figured out that it’s important to give back just like somebody gave to you. Always remember, by giving back, you’re actually doing way, way more than you think.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
