Hamilton-area athletes recognized at 24th annual Breakfast of Champions

SportHamilton held its 24th annual Breakfast of Champions in the City of Hamilton, to celebrate local athletes, coaches and teams.

The festivities began at 8 a.m., with over 500 people being celebrated at Carmen’s Banquet Centre for their accomplishments this year.

2024’s breakfast ceremony was hosted by former Tiger-cat Pete Dyakowski once more, and there will also a number of VIP sports guests in attendance.

The keynote speaker this year is three-time beach volleyball Olympian Heather Bansley from Waterdown, Ont.

Monday’s event will recognize the accomplishments of those who competed at the provincial, national and international levels.

Head coach of the Hamilton Sledgehammers Allen Hierlihy was excited to see the group, with some kids aged 6 to 15 years old gain their first award.

Head coach of Hamilton Piranhas Flag Football Jon Behie was also at the breakfast and told CHCH News that seeing his kids be recognized for their efforts is very rewarding.

“Us coaches, we love seeing the joy it brings to them,” Behie said. “We prepare them as much as we can, and oftentimes with 12-year-olds, that they’re capable of more than we think so we give them so much to soak in, and they embrace that challenge as well.”

Some awards being handed out include awards in excellence, perseverance, leadership and community service.

This would naturally include Hamilton’s homegrown champions, recognized for sports such as wrestling, basketball and lacrosse.

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