DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard
SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog is set to honour a new class of inductees into the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing outstanding contributions to the local sports community. At their meeting on Monday, February 3rd, council received a report from Shawna Cornish, Manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture, announcing the 2025 inductees.
This year’s honourees include Jack Owen, recognized as an outstanding multi-sport athlete; the 1973 Port Perry Ladies Juvenile Softball Team, inducted in the team category; and Leanne Ashbridge, a longtime contributor to Port Perry Minor Ball and the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame, in the builder category.
“The Scugog Sports Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate its 17th anniversary with such an exceptional group of inductees,” said Ms. Cornish. “Each of them has left a lasting impact on the local sports scene, whether through personal achievements or their efforts to grow and support athletics in our community.”
The Hall of Fame Committee, formed in 2007, includes current members Clair Cornish, Kirk Swain, Colin Laird, Phil Cochrane, Elaine Cole, and Ron Cosway. The committee is tasked with preserving and commemorating Scugog’s sporting history by recognizing individuals, teams, and builders who have achieved significant athletic accomplishments at regional, provincial, national, or international levels.
“This is always a great event, and always really well attended, and I am pleased to see Leanne Ashbridge is being recongnized for all of her efforts with sports in the community,” commented Regional Councillor Janna Guido.
The 2025 induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 24th, at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre. Doors open to the public at 6 p.m., with light refreshments and a bar service available. The official ceremony begins at 7 p.m.
The public is also invited to visit the Sports Hall of Fame exhibit, located on the upper level of the recreation centre, which will be open free of charge during the event. “It’s a chance for residents to step into the past and appreciate Scugog’s deep-rooted sports history,” Ms. Cornish added.
The event is fully budgeted in the 2025 operating plan, with promotion efforts including press releases, social media campaigns, and a televised segment in partnership with Rogers Communications.
As anticipation builds for the ceremony, the Hall of Fame Committee encourages the community to come together to celebrate the latest class of honorees. “We are thrilled to welcome home our 2025 inductees and recognize their incredible contributions to sport in Scugog,” said Ms. Cornish.
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