Hamilton’s breakfast of champions

Every year, sports teams and individuals from the city of Hamilton distinguish themselves in almost every sport imaginable. And every year the city pays tribute to them at the Breakfast of Champions, hosted by Sport Hamilton. More than 500 athletes and coaches gathered at Carmen’s Banquet Hall Monday morning and our Natalie Marconi was there.

Consider it a salute over maple syrup.

The 13th breakfast of champions served-up a successful selection of rep teams, high school squads, and all of their coaches.

Dave Graham is with Stoney Creek Novice “AE” Boys H: “It’s 7 days a week, twice on Saturdays. Travelling to Orangeville, Brampton. But it’s worth it. Very worth it, very worth it, yah.”

And while they’re all champions in their respective sports, many of the athletes here are also acclaimed in the classroom.

Abbey Clark is a student athlete at St. Thomas More: “We all have 80, higher averages and it’s amazing. It’s motivation, so, yah.”

Clark was joined by her St. Thomas More teammates, who recently won their third consecutive Provincial Quad-“A” championship.

Women’s national team member Kia Nurse, who is also a member of the Lady Knights, told the packed house that winning is great, but it’s only “part” of the prize: “I’ve learned that there’s so much more I’ve gained from these sports…friendships, relationships with coaches, relationships I’ve built with teammates.”

A sentiment shared by everyone here.

Dave: “If you look at the back of our shirts. ‘work hard, play hard, have fun’. That’s what we live by and we brought it home.”

“1-2-3, Cobras! We’re Awesome.”