2024 Inductees
Glenn Fortin
2024 Inductee
Athlete / Builder (Figure Skating)
Glenn Fortin’s involvement in figure skating began at age seven when his parents enrolled him in skating lessons at the Quinte Figure Skating Club (QFSC). Recognizing his potential, his coach encouraged him to continue training and from 1978 to 1987, Glenn excelled by earning numerous medals in local, regional, and provincial competitions. In 1987, Glenn had a stellar year, winning gold in Novice Men at the Eastern Ontario Sectional Championships, the Eastern Canadian Divisional Championships, the Ontario Winter Games and the Canadian National Championships. He received
Belleville’s 1987 Athlete of the Year Robinson-Kelleher Memorial Award and the Ontario National Achievement Award. Continuing his education at the University of Ottawa in 1988, Glenn trained at the Gloucester Skating Club and won gold at the Eastern Ontario Junior Men’s Sectionals. He placed seventh at the 1990 Canadian National Championships in Junior Men and first in Senior Men at the 1991 Eastern Ontario Sectional Championships.
Glenn’s competitive career ended in 1991 but his dedication to skating continued. Influenced by his parents’ volunteerism in Belleville, Glenn’s volunteer journey has spanned nearly four decades. Glenn trained as a judge and has officiated at numerous Provincial, National and International competitions. He is now qualified as an International Skating Union Championship Judge as well as an International Referee.
Glenn has also contributed as a builder in figure skating in Ontario. He served as a Board member in Eastern and Central Ontario from 1993 to 2005. He continued to shape skating governance in Ontario as a member of the Skate Ontario Board of Directors from 2017 to 2020 and was elected to the Skate Canada Board of Directors in 2020 and is currently the Chair of the Skate Canada Finance Committee.
Recognized with the 2001 Skate Canada Volunteer Award of Excellence, the 2011 Syl Apps Volunteer Achievement Award and the 2023 Skate Canada Billie Mitchell Award, Glenn exemplifies dedication at the highest level to his sport. We proudly induct Glenn Fortin into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame for his exceptional contributions as both an athlete and builder in figure skating.
Mike Kirby
2024 Inductee
Builder, Basketball
Belleville Spirits pioneer Mike Kirby has certainly left his mark on the basketball scene in this community. Born and raised in Belleville, Mike attended both Moira Secondary School and Belleville Collegiate Institute before pursuing his undergraduate and education degrees at Queen’s University in Kingston. While at Queen’s, he was a prominent athlete and a five-year starter on the Golden Gaels basketball team, graduating in 1983.
Mike’s teaching and coaching career began at Centennial Secondary School, continued at Nicholson Catholic College and then at St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School, before retiring in 2012. Throughout his career, Mike was committed to nurturing athletic talent and promoting the principles of sportsmanship and personal development among his students. In 1987, seeing the need for a more challenging platform for elite basketball players in Bay of Quinte schools, Mike, along with Paul Gaudet, created a team comprising grade 11, 12, and 13 girls from five local high schools, naming them the Belleville Spirits. From these modest beginnings with just one team and 12 players, Spirits Basketball has flourished under Mike’s guidance, growing to field provincially competitive and championship teams, along with numerous house league teams focused on player development. Now in its 37th year, Belleville Spirits has profoundly influenced the lives of hundreds of men and women in the Belleville area, continuing to thrive thanks to Mike’s vision and significant foundational investment. Mike has taken on multiple roles within Spirits Basketball, serving as President, Secretary, Treasurer, Coach, and House League Convenor. His relentless dedication has been vital to the organization’s longevity and success.
In 2005, Mike received the OFSAA Leadership in School Sport Award for exemplifying the values of fair play and sportsmanship while fostering enjoyment, personal growth and educational achievement through sports. In 2015, he was honoured as the Quinte Basketball Personality of the Year by the Bay of Quinte Basketball Officials Association, reflecting his profound impact on the local basketball community. Mike Kirby’s induction into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame underscores his steadfast commitment to nurturing young athletes and highlights the incredible influence one dedicated individual can make in the lives of others.
Steve Stewart
2024 Inductee
Athlete, Power Lifting
Born in Peterborough in 1961, Steven took to sports at an early age playing hockey, box lacrosse, basketball, moto-cross racing and his real passion, football. In fact, Steve played high school football while still in public school. His journey to becoming an exceptional athlete accelerated when his family moved to Belleville in 1979. It was at Moira Secondary that Steve distinguished himself as a standout football player. Following graduation, Steve’s passion shifted to fitness and competitive bodybuilding. His personal drive led to many years of training and eventually competing throughout Ontario.
In 1989, his life took a dramatic turn, when an accident resulted in the loss of his right leg. Despite this life-altering event, Steve’s unwavering spirit and dogged dedication to fitness, saw him push through the intensely challenging and lengthy rehabilitation. During rehab, Steve was approached by Canadian Para Sports and soon after, he began competing against persons with physical disabilities. His first competition, The Ontario Disabled Games, was the beginning of many years of powerlifting competitions, resulting in several Canadian bench press records.
In 1991, Steve’s performance at the Canadian Games won him gold in the 90kg division and qualified him for the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona. He competed against the world’s best in bench press powerlifting, finishing ninth in the 100kg division. After several more surgeries, Steve again focused on preparing to represent Canada, this time at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta where he finished in tenth place. Following 1996, injuries took their toll, forcing Steve to retire from powerlifting competition only to pick up golf soon after. Golf became a passion that turned into competitive play on the amputee golf circuit throughout Ontario and the USA.
Steve Stewart’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and tireless commitment to excellence. His accomplishments in powerlifting and his representation of Canada on the international stage have earned him a deserving place in the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. Today, we honour Steve as an inspiring and remarkable example of excelling in sport and life regardless of physical challenges.
Greg Terrion
2024 Inductee
Athlete, Hockey
One of Marmora’s favourite sons, Greg Terrion excelled in hockey from an early age, leading his PeeWee team to the town’s first ever All Ontario OMHA Championship. He continued to dominate the minor hockey system there, until graduating to the Belleville Bobcats Junior ‘B’ team at age 16. Despite joining the club mid-season and playing only 20 games, Greg tallied 15 goals and 17 assists, impressing scouts enough to be selected in the second round of the Major Junior Entry Draft. He joined the Hamilton Fincups the following season, later playing for the Brantford Alexanders after the franchise relocated. By his final Junior A season, Greg had honed his scoring touch, finishing third in team scoring and eighth in the league with 122 points.
Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the 1980 Entry Draft, Greg began his NHL career with on the west coast before being traded to the Maple Leafs. After two seasons, he was traded to Toronto, playing
six years for The Leafs before completing his career with their AHL affiliate. Known for his strong skating and tenacity in the face-off circle, Greg was a defensive specialist, often lining up against the opposition’s top players. In his 561 NHL games, he scored 93 goals and added 150 assists, totaling 243 points. He also contributed 2 goals and 9 assists in 35 playoff games. Although he was unable to play due to injury, Greg said the highlight of his career came in 1986 when he was chosen to play for Team Canada.
Following his playing days, Greg retired to his offseason home in Marmora where he purchased and operated the local Esso station, named 7 Terrions in tribute to his parents and siblings, the #7 Highway and his iconic jersey number with the Leafs.
Despite significant health challenges, including life altering concussions, Greg remained active in his community until his untimely passing from a heart attack in 2018 at age 58. He is survived by his mother, Pat, his wife and lifelong partner, Cindy, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Greg’s enduring legacy in hockey and his deep ties to the community make him a very deserving inductee into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame.
Belleville Yardmen Benefit Fund Ladies Softball Team
2024 Inductees
Team, Softball
The Belleville Yardmen Benefit Fund Ladies Softball Team of 1973-1977 stands as a pinnacle of excellence in Ontario women’s softball. Coached by Doug Lucas, Jack Lucas and Cliff Belch, this team of dedicated athletes showcased talent and determination. Comprising 38 players over five remarkable years, the Yardmen women’s squad dominated their league, with six players contributing consistently each year and three others playing for four consecutive seasons. They claimed the league pennant an impressive four times (1973, 1974, 1975 and 1976), illustrating their consistent excellence in the regular season. Furthermore, they clinched the league championship three times (1973, 1975 and 1976), demonstrating grace under pressure during playoff competition.
Their legacy extends beyond local triumphs; the team earned the prestigious title of All Ontario Provincial Women’s Champions three times (1973, 1976 and 1977), with their inaugural victory in 1973 marking an historic milestone for Belleville women’s softball. Acknowledged by the City of Belleville with Honours & Awards on three occasions (1973, 1976 and 1977), the Yardmen Women were not only champions but also community ambassadors. They competed vigorously in tournaments across Ontario, consistently bringing home top awards for pitching, batting and tournament MVP performances.
According to Brian O’Meara, then Sports Editor at The Intelligencer, the Yardmen Women elevated Belleville softball to a special level in Ontario’s softball circles. With nicknames like Blue, Tula, Haney, Chelsea, Colgate, Pig Pen, Spot, Rapper and Spike, this fierce group of determined athletes- turned- friends put Belleville on the softball map. Their infectious energy made them easy to root for, creating unforgettable memories for fans and the community alike.
The Belleville Yardmen Benefit Fund Ladies Softball Team of 1973-1977 remains an enduring symbol of athletic excellence and community pride. Their achievements on the diamond and their impact off the field have
left an indelible mark on Belleville’s sporting history. We proudly honour their legacy and welcome them into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. For more information, visit the team website at https://sites.google.com/view/ bybfladiessoftball/home .
