Saftic To Be Honoured In Sudbury

He’s won over 5,100 races and steered his mounts to more than $96 million in purse earnings. Mike Saftic’s driving peers have long had respect for the man in blue, white and red, and now Saftic’s hometown is officially giving him some love, as well.

As an article by the Sudbury Star explains, Saftic will be inducted into the Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame this summer as part of the class of 2016. The induction ceremony will take place during the 48th annual House of Kin Sports Celebrity Dinner and Awards, which will be held on June 8 at Sudbury's Caruso Club.

Saftic is one of three athletes that will be inducted into the hall this year. He will be inducted alongside former NHL forward Al Secord and former Laurentian Voyageurs basketball player and coach John McKibbon.

Saftic has been a mainstay on the Woodbine Entertainment Group circuit for decades now. The 1989 campaign was the first time that he drove his mounts to over $1 million in earnings, and Saftic has continued to do so each year since then. He has consistently put up productive seasons on Canada’s toughest harness-racing circuit. Saftic drove his mounts to over $6 million in purses in both the 2001 and 2002 campaigns. He topped $5 million in earnings each year from 2003 to 2005, and eclipsed the $4 million mark every year from 2006 through 2009.

Saftic has reduced his amount of drives in recent years, but has still been getting the job done for his connections, as his win totals and purse earnings reflect. Additionally, one cannot think of O’Brien Award winners Sir Luck, Luck Of Michelle, Ellamony or top Open trotter Corn Cob Conch without instantly thinking of Saftic.

On June 8, Doug Gingrich, the longtime Lo-Ellen Park Knights track and field coach will be inducted in the Administration category. The late Father Brian McKee, who was a co-founder of the Sudbury Flying Fathers, will go in under the Builder's category. Longtime local synchronized swim coach Gwendolyn Beaton-Whissell will also be inducted into the Builder’s category, as will longtime local gymnastics coach Lisa Kivinen of the Sudbury Laurels/GymZone.

Tickets for the event are available at the House of Kin or by contacting Norm Mayer, Chris Sheridan or Karly Bortolotti at 705-522-3600. Tickets are $55 for adults and $20 for youngsters 10 years of age or younger.

(With files from the Sudbury Star)