Woodbine’s Jim Lawson to be inducted into Burlington Sports Hall of Fame E! News UK

Woodbine Entertainment proudly congratulates Jim Lawson on his induction into the 2021 class of the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame.

Lawson is inducted as an athlete and builder due to his immense contributions to hockey, football and horse racing, alongside Sean Foley (builder, golf), Carol Angela Orchard (builder, gymnastics), Dr John Kendall (athlete / builder, race) and Don Lovegrove (builder, media).

In addition to his current role as CEO of Woodbine Entertainment, Lawson has been heavily involved in the sport his entire life as an athlete and executive.

As a hockey player who grew up in Burlington, Ont. And a graduate of Aldershot High School, Lawson played “AAA” midget hockey and was drafted by the Ottawa 67’s before receiving a scholarship offer for. play at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Lawson was then drafted by the Montreal Canadiens from the National Hockey League and played for the Nova Scotia Voyageurs of the American Hockey League.

After his playing career, Lawson began practicing law and quickly began his vocation as a builder in Canadian sport. This ultimately led to his appointment in 2013 as the first independent chair of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Football League, where he served for seven years and twice served as interim commissioner. In 2019, Lawson received the prestigious CFL Commissioner’s Award, which is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated dedication and made a significant contribution to Canadian football.

“Jim is a great example of someone who has become a better person and a great leader through the lessons he learned as a talented athlete,” said Bob Young, longtime Tiger owner and goalie. CFL Hamilton Cats. “In turn, he was able to make remarkable contributions through Canadian football, the horse racing industry and a myriad of other projects that have made Burlington, Ontario and Canada a better place. Thanks Jim. “

In 2012, Lawson was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Woodbine Entertainment, before being appointed CEO in 2015, a position he still holds today.

“If there is anyone who deserves this recognition, it’s Jim. He has always been so gracious to his time and an incredible contributor to Canadian sport and the communities in which it is played, ”said John Fielding, who served on the Board of Directors of Woodbine Entertainment for 17 years. “His contributions to the horse racing industry are unprecedented, he has just done an incredible job leading Woodbine and the sport of horse racing in Ontario.

The Burlington Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be celebrated with a reception on Tuesday, October 26 at the Burlington Golf & Country Club. Tickets cost $ 60 per person. For more information, please contact Wayne Heslop at [email protected]

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