Staff
Local businessman John McTaggart has been recognized by his fellow sporting store peers, naming him the recipient of the Norm Bodle Award.
“It’s a terrific honour,” McTaggart said of receiving the award from Sports Distributors of Canada which, he explained, is an buying group made up of independent stores across the country of which his store, Taggs Source for Sports, is a member.
The annual award is the organization’s “highest honour,” and is given yearly to the member who is “most supportive of the group” and “who encourages and supports other members within the organization.”
The recipient is decided upon by the 158 members voting at their annual general meeting, which this year was held in Hamilton in September.
“[Norm Bodle] was one of the key drivers in getting this group together back in the early ’70s and when he passed away, this award was created in his memory,” McTaggart explained.
As part of the award, McTaggart will have his name engraved on the plaque which hangs in the lobby of the SDC headquarters in Burlington,
He also received $1,000, which he divided in half and donated $500 each to the Boys’ and Girls’ Minor Hockey Associations here in Fort Frances.
“What I’d like them to do with the money is to use it for development,” McTaggart said, suggesting the funds could go towards extra ice time, bringing in a special coach, holding a local hockey school, or other things that will “enhance” the sport for the youth.
“I just felt that boys’ and girls’ minor hockey was a great spot to invest the money,” he remarked, noting the organization is really grassroots and an activity for young kids to be involved in.
“Taggs Source for Sports is very pleased to be able to support minor hockey in our community, and it’s a great way to be a part of the community,” McTaggart added.
