The six speakers at this past weekend's Rotary Sports Gala (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Sports Heroes

Rotary Melfort holds sports gala to honour local legends

Apr 17, 2025 | 12:06 AM

Rotary Melfort held a gala over the weekend to recognize some of the very best sports figures that have come from the area.

The banquet was also used as a massive fundraiser for the local club, with all of the proceeds set to funnel back into local projects.

“The event went so well, it was overwhelming. The number of people who came out was very gratifying, and the sponsorship we received from the business community made it such a success. We also couldn’t have picked better speakers, I think we really lucked out because they were just outstanding,” said Rotary Melfort member Ken Singer.

The speakers included Judo Gold Medalist Frazer Will, Melfort Mustangs SJHL Champion coach and former player Trevor Blevins, World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Layne MacGillivray, Abbot World Marathon Majors runner Robin Luthi, Paralympic Sitting Volleyball Gold Medalist Julie Kozun, and Saskatchewan Roughrider Offensive Lineman Logan Ferland.

All six prepared speeches about their journeys from small-town kids in Melfort to the top of their careers, as well as the love and respect they have for the area.

White Star Road shooting

RCMP still search for shooting suspect last seen near Thunder Rapids six months later

16h ago

Nipawin Heliport

Nipawin Heliport now in operation

16h ago

Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs

Nikihk becomes official partner of the Saskatchewan Roughriders

17h ago

For Ferland and MacGillivray, in particular, they don’t live in the area now, and although they don’t make it back a lot, they weren’t going to miss the gala.

“When the Rotary Club asked me, I was extremely honoured, especially hearing about the other athletes and heroes that we’re talking up here, as well as talking about the volunteers that have helped us along the way, just a really special moment to be able to show them some gratitude,” Ferland explained.

“It’s amazing what this community and the surrounding area have done for sports and for inspiring the next generation… speaking about my journey provided a full-circle moment, especially being back here. It can get emotional being up there and thinking about all the things you’ve been through and what’s gotten you to this moment.”

Other important topics that were mutually shared were the importance of family, strong roots, and a belief that anything was possible.

Even the stereotype that bigger cities breed bigger opportunities didn’t sit right with this group.

“Melfort will always be home, no matter where we’re living now, we’ve got a lot of ties here in the community still, and it means a lot to be able to come back and speak about our sport,” added MacGillivray.

“Melfort has been a huge part of my life, growing up here, and starting my wagon racing career here… the help that you need from family, starting with my parents back in the day and getting me the right start at it. It’s three, four or five generations deep sometimes, so it’s a big part of the sport, and I probably wouldn’t be in it if it wasn’t.”

–

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8