Was it the Best Yet? Probably!

Over 300 gathered in the Canadian Room of the Royal York Hotel for the 18th Annual Sports Media Canada Achievement Awards presentations.
It seemed like the Who’s Who of Canadian sport and sports media was represented in the big main room of the storied hotel in downtown Toronto.
The President’s Award was the first presented and went to one of the most admired names in Canadian Golf, the sport’s most respected administrator and leader for decades … 90-year-old Dick Grimm who was accorded a standing ovation at the completion of his acceptance speech.
The ‘craft’ awards in recognition of outstanding work in sportswriting, sports broadcasting and sports photography were taken home by Steve Simmons of Sun Media for writing, Joe Bowen of Toronto Maple Leafs radio for broadcasting and Mike Cassese of Reuters for photography. The latter award was accepted, sadly, posthumously by Mike’s sister Mary Iafrate. He died suddenly and unexpectedly last year.
Former NHL defenceman Cam Russell, now the General Manager of the Memorial Cup champion Halifax Mooseheads team took the Canadian Sports Executive of the Year Award back to the Maritimes.
Three respected sports journalists of past years were inducted into the Sports Media Canada Honour Roll posthumously — Frank Selke, Jr., Tom Mckee and Alec Bollini, all known for their work in broadcasting on radio or TV.

Stephen Brunt (left) introduced Bob McCown (centre) recipient of the Career Award presented to him by the new MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke

The Award for a distinguished career in Canadian Sports Journalism went to Bob McCown, veteran host of Sportsnet The Fan’s daily talk/interview radio show.
Planning is already underway for the 19th Annual Achievement Award presentations expected to take place in Toronto in October, 2014.