Hall of Famers honoured at Bay Roberts council meeting

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bay Roberts council took a few minutes last month to recognize the accomplishments of the original Bay Arena Association Board of Directors, who were inducted into the town’s Sports Hall of Fame earlier this year.

The group was inducted in the Builder Category and presented with the Kevin and Langdon Critch Award.

The original Bay Arena Association was established in 1981 with the aim of building a new arena. 

“It started off with Mr. Randy Collins, MHA at the time, organizing a very successful walkathon, raising $60,000,” said Eddie Russell, the Town’s director of sports and recreation. “And I remember that walkathon specifically because my dad was involved and they walked from St. John’s all the way to Bay Roberts. Forty-five thousand dollars more was received in pledges from local businesses, while the hospital committee transferred the money they had to the association, and the government at the time committed $500,000.”

The Bay Arena officially opened in 1985 and has been a major asset for the Town of Bay Roberts ever since. In addition to sporting events, it is used for recitals, graduations, concerts, car shows, and more. The arena was the first in the province to have safety netting around the rink, a defibrillator, an infrared camera system to operate the refrigeration system, and a laser level system for ice resurfacing. Russell attributes these firsts to the forward-thinking of the board of directors.

Council’s acknowledgement of the group’s achievements occurred at the Town’s August 12 public meeting. Due to an issue with the Cable Building, the Bay Roberts council meetings are temporarily being held on the upper floor of the Bay Arena. 

“It is very fitting that these presentations this evening are happening right here inside the Bay Arena,” Russell said. 

Acting Mayor Geoffrey Seymour presented the certificates to the four inductees on behalf of the Town.