The 2019 recipient of the Peter Handley Friend of Sport Award is long-time volunteer and executive Moe Bedard. Bedard, a graduate of the Canadore College Recreation Programme, has spent more than 30 years involved as an organizer of some of the longest-running tournaments held in North Bay.
He initially organized the North Bay Big Brothers Hockey Tournament in 1990, which started with 16 teams. From that modest beginning, it grew into a tournament that is now held over 3 weekends and at one point it had boasted 100 participating teams. The tournament, now known as the North Bay Employee Hockey Tournament, still has over 60 teams competing over 3 weekends. The initial intent of the tournament was to raise funds for Big Brothers, which it did for many years. Now, proceeds are directed to KidsSport North Bay. Other not-for-profit groups such as the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame have also received donations from the proceeds of the tournament.
Bedard also spearheaded the North Bay Mercantile Hockey Tournament which ran from 1980–2012 as well as the very successful North Bay Big Brothers Mixed Slo-Pitch Tournament which ran from 1980–2007. Again, proceeds from these tournaments were used for the Big Brothers Association as well as various other minor sports organizations.
Moe Bedard and Dan Selin were also instrumental in organizing the popular North Bay Monster Pond Hockey Tournament which ran in North Bay from 2007–2012.
In addition to these tournaments, Moe has been involved with Hockey for Beginners for 10 years, served on numerous executive involving Hockey and Slo-Pitch as well as becoming involved in coaching minor hockey and Youth Baseball to name a few.
Moe Bedard is well-deserving of the Peter Handley Friend of Sport for 2019.
The 40th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner scheduled for May 2, 2020, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The four individuals scheduled to be inducted will be inducted at next year’s dinner.
The 2019 Hall of Fame Award Winners will be recognized and presented their awards at a later date this year.
