George Belmore
Sport: Bowling
Year Inducted: 1975
George Belmore is considered a builder of bowling in Cornwall. He also had personal success on the lanes, both individually and as a team member.
An important function in any bowling league is that of the statistician. George had devoted many hours of his time to this function, having served in this capacity for 6 years in the 24-team Howard Smith League, 10 years in the Olympia House League, and 4 years in the 12 team City League, for a combined total of 20 years at his job.
George also found time to serve a term as President of the Howard Smith League, and a further 10 years as the Rules Chairman of the league. He acted as Chairman or Assistant Chairman of 15 tournaments including the Domtar tournament which attracted some 200 to 250 bowlers from various Ontario and Quebec locations.
Despite these administrative functions, George always found time to encourage new bowlers and offer assistance and tips on how to improve their game.
George ranks with the best as a bowler. He was a five-time high average winner, had a career high triple of 998 and 3 times had bowled 396 singles. The season prior to his induction was indicative of George’s ability, as he averaged 240 in the Men’s City League, 243 in the Olympia House League and 250 in the Men’s Major League; moreover, he won the Carling Award for March averaging 272 for the month.
Team victories were numerous for George, having won the Domtar Tournament 3 times, playoff Championship in the City League once, the Major League playoff once, and league title twice.
George captained the Frasers Jewellers team to six Schedule wins and 5 play-off victories.
In 1967, the Lions Club honoured George by naming him Bowler of the Year. It didn’t stop there. From 1963 until 1999 George recorded 36 consecutive years of bowling in the house 5 pin league. His average of 240 during this time frame had six years averaging over 250.
In 1997, George became the first recipient of the Men’s House league “Appreciation Award” for over thirty years of commitment to the league and the sport.
He retired from competitive bowling in 2003 after 62 years of rolling them straight.