The 57th Benson Cornwall Lions Club Sports Awards Dinner was held on May 15th at the Best Western Parkway Inn, drawing a full house to celebrate local sports talent. The event commenced with bagpipes, followed by the National Anthem sung by Heather Mahon and a supper prayer by Lion Ron Eamer. Lions Club President Bill Swiden as the Master of Ceremony.
Keynote speaker Krista Seguin, a Cornwall native, shared her inspiring journey. Krista excelled in basketball, volleyball, track & field, and curling at La Citadelle. After joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 2007, she played varsity sports at the Royal Military College in Kingston. Despite a life-altering injury, she won gold in sitting volleyball at the 2017 Invictus Games. Krista, now an operating manager with the “Soldier On” program, is also preparing to assist Canada at the 2025 Invictus Games.
Thorin Gault received the prestigious Jacque Richard Trophy. From a young age, he excelled in multiple sports and continued his athletic career at McGill University. He represented Canada in fastball, winning silver at the 2009 World Masters Games. Thorin coaches for the Cornwall Minor LacrosseAssociation and is an accomplished weightlifter with numerous records. This summer, he will be inducted into the Canadian Masters Weightlifting Hall of Fame.
In his acceptance speech, Thorin said, “Maybe you noticed the world is kind of messed up right now, and I think one of the most important things we can do as citizens is be engaged, be engaged with otherpeople, and be engaged in activities. The Lions Club is hosting this event and celebrating people participating in sports, it’s encouraging more engagement, and that is what the world needs right now, so thank you very much.”
Reed Camplin, a Grade 12 student at St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School, received the Joe St. Denis Parks & Recreation Award. Reed excels academically and in athletics, including football, soccer, swimming, and badminton. He is also a volunteer in the football community.
Victoria Brouillet, a multi-sport athlete at La Citadelle, was awarded the Ian Brodie Bursary. Victoria is involved in several sports, mentors younger athletes, contributes to Special Olympics events, and serves on the United Way Board of Directors.
Gerry Sommerville, a long-time sports contributor, received the Friends of the Round Table Award. Gerry began his journey in minor hockey and transitioned to a successful 17-year refereeing career. He has served as president of the Cornwall Minor Hockey Association and the Cornwall Minor Ball Hockey Association, and coached various levels of hockey.
Morgan Woods, a Grade 12 student at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, was honored with the Bill Bray Bursary. As co-captain of the Sr. Girls Panthers Basketball team, Morgan has shown exceptional leadership and academic prowess. She plans to attend St. Lawrence College in Kingston in the fall.
Ella Dickson, a standout athlete at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, received the RBC Bursary. She has competed in ten varsity sports and maintained a 91% average. Ella will attend Ontario Tech University to study Kinesiology and aims to become a Physical Education teacher like her father and grandfather.
Anthony MacDonald was recognized as the Top Junior with the Joe Assaly Award. His dedication to figure skating includes 18 hours of ice time per week and coaching in both official languages. Anthony has competed nationally and aspires to represent Canada in international events.
The evening highlighted many more award winners, celebrating and encouraging local athletic achievements.
