2009 Inductees

Andy Hopkins

Born in Bear Point, Shelburne County, Andy discovered at an early age he loved sports and nothing would stop him from competing! He excelled at track and field (running a 10.6 in 100 yard dash). From 1949-1959, he attended The School for the Deaf in Halifax, returning to the South Shore, armed with the “Power to Believe”. Playing defence on his hometown hockey team, they would finish runner-up in the Yarmouth-Shelburne League in 1961-1962.

In 1963 The Berwick Register lured Andy to the Valley. Little did anyone know the impact he would have on the area. Later on he would write an article on curling for The Register and as an educator he taught sign language at various schools in the Valley. He married his wife Nancy in 1966.

Soon badminton would peak his interest. Andy played mostly doubles tournaments from Greenwood to Wolfville. He fondly remembers the fine play of Don Weir, Gerald Chase, Madeline Rice, Denton Graham and Mildred Stewart. He would pick up on hockey again in The Berwick Suburban League, playing defence against the likes of Jim and Pat Hampsey and Richard Palmer. All along he pitched, caught and played outfield in the Berwick and Area Slow-pitch League. His talent was so impressive that he was selected to play for the Calgary Warriors in the 6th Annual Canadian Deaf Slow-pitch Tournament held in London, Ontario in 1987.

It appeared Andy saved his best for curling. Joining the Berwick Curling Club in 1978, he played in numerous bonspiels, Mixed, Men's and Senior Categories, often receiving many trophies and awards. His greatest thrill was posting an 8 Ender in 1999. Twice he had 7 Enders. He, along with Gerry Millett, Leonard Amero and Fay George represented Berwick at the Nova Scotia Mixed bonspiel in Bridgewater in 1995.

However, Andy's greatest contribution was bringing Provincial and National attention to Nova Scotia Deaf Sports. He played in the Canadian Deaf Curling Championships, an astounding 12 times from 1984 to 2006. He was Host Chairman of the event in Halifax in 1990.

He started bowling for the Kentville Advertiser out of New Minas Lanes in 1980. He soon developed a 95 average and on different occasions thrilled the gallery with 4 straight spares and 3 strikes in a row. In 1970 The Eastern Bowling Association for the Deaf (E.B.A.D.) was formed in Saint John, N.B. Not only did he compete, but was E.B.A.D. Host Chairman five times.

In 2004 he was honoured with the Special Award of Dedication from the Nova Scotia Deaf Sports Association.

The Berwick Sports Hall of Fame is proud to induct Andy Hopkins.

Inducted June 2009