On occasion, the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame (BSHOF) recognizes an individual or organization that has made an indelible mark on the sporting scene in our city and beyond. Indeed, BSHOF introduced a special award of distinction for just that purpose, to honour athletes and builders who don’t quite qualify for induction into the Hall of Fame. These people have shown a commitment to service in a meaningful way that has an impact on the citizens of Burlington. The Don Green Award of Distinction honours an extraordinary feat of achievement that, while superb, does not meet the criteria for membership in the Hall of Fame as an athlete or builder.
Don Green was inducted into the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 for his success in representing Canada in the 1985 America’s Cup Sailing regatta and for his contribution to the world sailing community. After his induction, Don became an integral part of the BSHOF executive committee until his passing in February 2019. The Award of Distinction has been renamed in Don’s honour.
This year, the Don Green Award of Distinction is bestowed on the 2023 Burlington Blaze Junior A lacrosse team, who were the 2023 Minto Cup National champions. Coach Dan MacRae, Team Manager Sean Gillies, and the players should be commended on representing Burlington at the highest level. This was the first Minto Cup participation for the Blaze, and it is a rarity for a team to win the championship on its first try, but that is what the Blaze did in Edmonton, defeating the Coquitlam Adanacs 10–9 and 12–7 in the best-of-three final.
Congratulations to the 2022–2023 Burlington Blaze Junior A lacrosse team, proud recipients of the Don Green Award of Distinction.
