The City of Sault Ste. Marie is pleased to announce its 2023 award winners in the categories of Community Development and Sports Hall of Fame.
The Community Development Award recognizes exceptional community development projects from local businesses or organizations with the goal of highlighting innovative ideas and inspiring others to meet the standards set by successful projects. This year’s award is presented jointly to the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club/Hiawatha Highlands, Kinsmen Club of Sault Ste. Marie, Sault Cycling Club and The Voyageur Trail Association.
These organizations build and maintain the four-season trail system in the Hiawatha Highlands area. This world-class trail system offers Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and biking opportunities. The trails and the informal partnership of these organizations would not be possible without the many private and public landowners who grant access to their land.
The Sault Ste. Marie Sports Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional achievements in the athletic community. Athletes, coaches, builders and teams are honoured for their accomplishments and the recognition they have brought to Sault Ste. Marie through sport. This year’s inductees are Marty William Dimma and Jesse Jakomait.
Marty Dimma first began arm wrestling while attending high school at White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School. Marty entered his first event at the age of 19 at the Bon Soo Winter Carnival and placed third. Following local and regional successes, Marty began to train to improve his technique and stance. Over his 25 years of competition, Marty competed and won multiple Ontario Championships, has been named a two-time Canadian champion, and in 2013 competed as part of Team Canada at the World Arm Wrestling Federation Championship.
Jesse Jakomait began cycling on the trails at Hiawatha as a member of the Sault Cycling Club travelling to races across Ontario and Michigan. After winning the Canada Cup MTB XC National Series in 2003, Jesse began training and competing in ultra-endurance races setting records at both Steamboat Springs in 2006 and 2007, and notably setting an eight year-long record during the Colorado Trail Race (2015). Jesse continues to spend his time rock climbing and mountaineering.
The Community Recognition Award, Municipal Heritage Award and Walk of Fame award will not be given out this year. An awards ceremony for this year’s recipients of the Community Development Award and Sports Hall of Fame is scheduled later this month. For more information on the City’s awards programs visit www.saultstemarie.ca/awards.