Sports

WELLINGTON COUNTY - When horse people left for U.S. racetracks during provincial COVID-19 lockdowns, worry rippled across the harness racing industry about a permanent loss of drivers and horses. Homegrown talent has since returned spurring industry optimism about recovery.

FERGUS – A familiar face will be returning to Team Canada for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Fergus native Patrick Anderson was recently named to Canada’s wheelchair basketball team for the games, which will take place Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

CENTRE WELLINGTON – The 31st annual Industry Day will welcome spectators back in full force on Aug. 2, as additional areas open at Grand River Raceway.

ALMA – The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games hosted a modified heavy events competition in hopes of bringing back some of the festival spirit to athletes and members of the community.

ELORA – The Grand River Raceway will once again welcome spectators at its signature events on Industry Day next month.

SALEM - Belinda and Chris Cox have given new meaning to the term “power couple.” The Salem couple each set a Guinness World Record for feats of strength and athleticism this year.

PUSLINCH – Joel Stevens, a student-athlete from Puslinch, has earned a spot on the Northeast Conference’s (NEC) academic honour roll. He plays on the Hobart Statesmen men’s lacrosse team.

ELORA – Spectators will return to the Grand River Raceway here on June 30. The raceway will initially welcome back 500 spectators during step two of the province's reopening plan.

ELORA – The Elora and District Skating Club has won the 2020-21 Club Award from Skate Ontario. The award is rare for a small-town skating club to receive, officials say, noting the Elora club was recognized for its hard work and dedication to members during the pandemic.

HANOVER – The Hanover Barons have announced Blair Butchart as the team’s next general manager.

ELORA – Michael Chapman, a local rugby player who has played for Team Canada and Ontario, is taking his next steps at Queen’s University, where he will play on their Golden Gaels Rugby Team.  

WELLINGTON COUNTY - Since April 17, golf courses in Ontario have been closed due to the province-wide stay-at-home order. Many are pushing back against the province’s decision to force golf courses to close, arguing there have been zero COVID cases linked to golf.

FERGUS - Brock Newton of Fergus recently signed an NCAA Division I Basketball Scholarship with Bucknell University.

GUELPH - The Guelph Rowing Club has received a grant of $10,000 from the Canadian Tire Corporation, as part of the Jumpstart Sport Relief Fund.