Vernon (Vern) Beacock
Vernon (Vern) Beacock
Builder
Induction Award:
Vern Beacock realized that his community was missing something, and created the Elmvale Bears Sledge Hockey Team. His efforts allowed physically disabled children and adults in the area the opportunity to join the sport, an opportunity they wouldn’t have otherwise had. What started out small, would eventually attract players from other more distant towns. Soon, the Elmvale Bears would be more than anyone imagined, anyone but Vern. Under Vern’s intensely dedicated leadership, several of his players would go on to become world class athletes. Some of his players would even compete for Team Canada in the Paralympics.
Member Details:
Category: Builder
Year of Induction: 2024
Sport: Sledge Hockey
Nominator: Henry William Joseph VanderWielen
Date/ Place of Birth: June 22nd, 1953, Midland ON.
Resides: Elmvale ON.
Highlight:
*1987: Vern is justly creditted with initating and sustaining Sledge Hockey in the Elmvale area over the formative the years of its inception. Vern literally developed the Elmvale Bears Sledge Hockey Team
*As a three time President of the Elmvale Lions Club, Vern demonstrated Leadership in Lions Community involvement over many years
1998-99 1990-91 2023-24
*Vern's community involvement has also included a variety of local and county areas: Scouting Programme, Church activities and local Bridge Clubs.
Special Needs Support and Inclusion initiatives have benifitted from his time and resources and leadership skills.
Narrative:
Vern Beacock was inspired to create a way for physically disabled children and adults to play hockey. Thus, in 1987, the Elmvale Bears Sledge Hockey Team was born. The team, originally grass-roots, attracted players from as far as Gravenhurst and Collingwood, who would travel to Elmvale to play at 7am on Sundays. As the only parent-run team in Ontario, it grew and thrived under Vern’s leadership. He coached, raised funds, and helped build sleds. The team progressed and expanded into two: Junior (3-15 years), and Senior (16+). Vern managed the teams as they played games and tournaments all across southern Ontario. Several of Vern’s team members would become world class sledge hockey players, some even playing on the Canadian Paralympic team and competing in Salt Lake City and Beijing. Vern is an inspiration, and his guidance and diligence with regards to physically disabled youth has been an incredible benefit to his community.
Quotes:
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Acknowledgement:
