Golfers tee off Saturday in support of local sports history
July 20, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Fort Erie has produced many athletes who have competed professionally on national and international stages.
And the sports gallery located inside the Leisureplex, operated by the Heritage Arts Legacy of Fort Erie, is the venue that showcases it all.
There is a large collection of sports memorabilia such as jockey saddles, skates worn by former National Hockey League players like Chuck Blair, and much more.
Brett Garrison watches John Winney tee off Saturday at Fort Erie Golf Club. Deb Holman tees off on Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio“It’s very important to celebrate our history,” said Bill Reid, a member of the group who manages the hub at the arena.
On Saturday, 37 people hit Fort Erie Golf Club to play in a fundraising tournament for the sports gallery, which helps to cover bills and pay for things such as murals that have been created and hang on the wall inside the Kinsmen rink at the Fort Erie Leisureplex.
“It’s to keep things going,” Reid told Fort Erie Radio at Saturday’s tournament.
Other athletes recognized by the group and its efforts include former NHL players Randy Burridge and Mike Lalor, former municipal and regional councillor Sandy Annunziata, who won two Grey Cups in the Canadian Football League, as well as Trevor Parkes, a professional hockey player who has spent a number of years in the Deutsche Elite League in Germany.
Deb Holman tees off on Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio“I think we do okay considering the size of the town,” said Reid, also noting the Fort Erie Sports Wall of Fame, which is a separate endeavour on display inside the Kinsmen rink area.
Al Reid and his sons Doug and Tom Reid are celebrated for their hockey careers, as well as his granddaughter Charmaine, an Olympian in badminton.
Bill Reid also pointed out he is not related to the above-mentioned athletes with the same last name.
The sports gallery is open when there is action at the Leisureplex, which is most Saturdays in the winter.
Ruby Smith is available at (905) 871-3839 to arrange tours.
Wendy Gibson and her husband Larry are the owners of Fort Erie Golf Club, a place she admits is a conduit for many charity tournaments and groups who need a place for their fundraiser tournaments.
“We always try to give people a fair deal,” she said after taking a tee shot in Saturday’s tournament.
She said their team helps with hole sponsors and spreading the word about upcoming tournaments being held at the course.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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