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North Bay Celebrates Mike O’Shea Field Dedication

North Bay, ON – Aug. 13, 2022 – The City of North Bay paid tribute to hometown football hero Mike O’Shea today with an official dedication of a field in his name.

The Mike O’Shea Football Field at the Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex was formally recognized during a dedication ceremony and sign unveiling attended by many of the Canadian Football Hall of Famer’s North Bay friends and family members, as well as local fans and supporters.

“To drive up here a see this facility – it’s phenomenal,” said O’Shea, who reflected during the event about the local youth who will use of the field well into the future. “I can’t wait to read all the stories about the kids and their dreams and as they progress through knowing that they came from a field in North Bay just like I did.”

The dedication is the result of a North Bay City Council motion passed unanimously in 2020 calling for the naming of the field in honour of O’Shea in recognition of his successful football career as a player and a coach.

“This dedication is a great way to honor Mike for his contributions to sport and his continued support for the community,” said Mayor Al McDonald. “The Mike O’Shea name is going inspire the young people who will be using this field for years to come."

Head Coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, O’Shea was born and raised in North Bay. He played Widdifield Wildcats in high school helped lead them to an NDA Championship in 1988.

He has a 16-year career as a linebacker in the Canadian Football League and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

He won three Grey Cups as a player, another as a special Teams Coach with the Toronto Argonauts in 2012, plus two more as head coach of the Bombers in 2019 and 2021.

“Mike is a strong supporter of his hometown who often speaks highly of North Bay. The entire community is extremely proud of his accomplishments,” said Mayor McDonald.

 

North Bay Celebrates Mike O’Shea Field Dedication
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Gord Young
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gord.young@northbay.ca (705) 474-0626 x.2505