Nearly 100 people attended the County of Brant South Dumfries Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The County of Brant Sports Hall of Fame was created not only to recognize the individuals and teams who, over the years, have represented the County in sport, but also those who have played an integral part in building and ensuring the longevity of sport in the community.
“Behind every athlete and every team are coaches, officials, parents, organizers and volunteers. And behind so many of the facilities and programs we sometimes take for granted are the community builders who saw a need and decided to do something about it,” said Councillor Jennifer Kyle, master of ceremonies. “They coached teams, they sat on committees and executives, they maintained fields and rinks, they sold tickets, ran fundraisers, and knocked on doors. They raised money for facilities and equipment, and very often they did it quietly year after year because they believed their community would be better for it, and I think tonight’s inductees are a wonderful example of exactly that.”
The first of three ceremonies taking place this year, Tuesday’s event honoured Dean and Sue Morrison, Doug Robb and the St.George Lions Club.
The Morrisons were the first to be recognized during the evening, with the couple being posthumously inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame as builders.
Dean started coaching hockey teams in the St. George Minor Hockey system in 1977 at just 18 years old and did so until 2010. He later became the president of the association, supporting countless children and their parents, and was on the committee that introduced the new “St. George Generals” name.
Beyond sports, Dean was also involved in the Glen Morris Kinsmen Club, St. George Lions Club, St. George Masons, Paris Agricultural Society and Paris Tractor Pull.
As for Sue, she coached and trained many teams in the St. George Minor Hockey system from 1989 to 1999, was a longstanding member of the South Dumfries Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and was a member of the St. George Women’s Institute.
During the event, their children Whitney Poland, Bob, Reid and Ryan Morrison all had the chance to talk about their parents’ impact on the community, with Poland and Ryan accepting the award on their behalf.
“Our parents taught us sports included more than what it said on the scoreboard. They’re about showing up for your teammates when they need you, working hard, keeping your head up, playing with integrity, and most importantly, giving back to the community that raised you,” said Poland. “Mom and Dad never did any of this for praise, plaques, or trophies. They did it because they genuinely loved the community that they grew up and raised their family in. On behalf of our parents, we’d like to thank the selection committee, the County of Brant, and everyone who made this recognition possible. This is the ultimate tribute to our parents. We know they’re looking down on us tonight, smiling, standing side by side, and incredibly humble.”
Up next was Doug Robb, who was being inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame as both a builder and athlete.
Robb’s achievements can be attributed to his lifelong involvement in ice and sledge hockey.
After playing for the Kitchener Rangers in the OHA during the late 1960s, Robb went on to referee several provincial, Canadian and international championships.
Among his long list of achievements, Robb also served as a Linesman for World Hockey Association, received the OHA’s Gold Stick Award in 2019, refereed for 25 years on the Ontario Ball Hockey Association, and helped form and develop the Hamilton and District Sledge Hockey Association, as well as the Brant and District Sledge Hockey Association.
During his speech, Robb took the time to reminisce and speak about the individuals, teams and the experiences that shaped his career, thanking those who stood by him along the way.
“I’d like to thank former Councillor John Wheat, current Councillor John Peirce, and Keith Roswell for putting my name forward, and I’d like to thank all the other committee members as well as Lisa Campbell. I would also like to introduce two people here tonight who have put up with a lot of travels and antics over the years; my wife Shirley and my son Andrew.”
He later told the Brant Beacon he felt incredibly grateful to be recognized alongside other outstanding members of the community.
As the final inductee of the night, the St. George Lions Club was officially honoured as a builder for its contributions to the area.
Chartered in 1945, the St. George Lions Club has spent decades supporting local sports and leisure activities through sponsorship, volunteerism, fundraising and contributions to facility development.
From minor hockey to baseball, soccer and figure skating, the Lions have a long history of helping both youth and adults participate and develop their skills within the community.
Lions Chief Kris Garn-Towns, who spoke on behalf of the local service organization, thanked the Hall of Fame committee for the honour of being recognized, and promised that the Lions Club would continue to be there for the community.
“This induction belongs to every volunteer from our club’s beginning in 1945 to today, to those who worked at fundraising events, flipped pancakes and burgers, or coached on a cold, windy night,” he said. “Being recognized alongside our town’s sports legend is deeply humbling, and a testament to our commitment to the youths that shape our tomorrow. …We accept this award not as a finish line, but as a promise. As long as a child wants to play, the St. George Lions Club will be there to clear the path.”
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.
