George Brown
George Brown
Category: Builder and Administrator
More than five decades in broomball
George Brown began playing broomball in 1967, beginning a lifelong involvement in the sport that would eventually extend far beyond the ice.
While continuing to play in the Pakenham Men’s League and Masters Men’s division, George became involved in organizing leagues and year-end banquets as early as 1972. By 1974, he was chairing tournaments in Almonte, an involvement that continued through the 47th annual Spring Tournament and 45th annual Fall Tournament.
A distinguished coaching career
George has coached at the local, regional, provincial, national and international levels, achieving considerable success at Provincial, National and World Championships.
His accomplishments have been recognized with Broomball Canada National Championship All-Star Coach honours, as well as two Overall Coach of the Year awards.
His passion for coaching also led him to become deeply involved in coach development. At the national level, George contributed to the development of the Level I, II and III coaching programs, later known as BF2, BTC and BTE.
Over the years, he has facilitated or co-facilitated countless coaching workshops across Canada. He also helped deliver coaching workshops at IFBA World Championship events in Burnaby, Minneapolis and Japan.
In recognition of his contribution to the development of coaching internationally, George received the Sekiguchi Award during the World Championships in Burnaby.
Building major broomball events
George’s contribution as an organizer is equally extensive.
He has chaired or co-chaired approximately 10 Ontario Provincial Championships and six Canadian National Championships. He also played a leading organizational role in the 2012 IFBA World Broomball Championships and has organized several Canada Cup international events.
His ability to bring together athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers has made him an important contributor to major broomball competitions at every level.
Leadership at every level of the sport
George’s administrative career reflects decades of service to broomball organizations in Ontario, across Canada and internationally.
He joined the Executive Board of the Eastern Ontario Broomball Association in 1994 and went on to serve as its President. At the provincial level, he became a Director of Ontario Broomball in 1996.
His involvement with Broomball Canada began with the Coaching Committee in 2000. He served as Vice-President Technical from 2004 to 2012 before becoming President in 2012.
George has also represented Canada within the International Federation of Broomball Associations (IFBA) for more than a decade, bringing his extensive experience in coaching, administration and event organization to the international game.
A legacy of service and recognition
George’s contribution to broomball has earned recognition both within the sport and in his community.
In 1987, he received the City of Ottawa Associated Canadian Travellers Athlete Award for Broomball. He has also been inducted into the Ontario Broomball Hall of Fame and the Broomball Canada Hall of Fame.
His work on the 2012 World Championships was further recognized when the organizing committee received the Lanark County Award of Excellence.
A true builder of broomball
From playing and coaching to developing coaches, organizing major championships and leading broomball associations, George Brown has contributed to virtually every aspect of the sport.
For more than five decades, his leadership, commitment and willingness to serve have helped strengthen broomball at the local, provincial, national and international levels.
It is with great respect and appreciation that George Brown is inducted into the Hall of Fame in the category of Builder and Administrator.