Thomas Haydon’s family, lifelong friends and former teammates are making sure he will be a big part of the new Ladner Outdoor Multi-Sport Court.
The impressive $2.1 million city venue, adjacent to the Ladner Leisure Centre, provides a roof and lighting over the existing lacrosse box for year-round play. It’s already become the envy of many lacrosse associations across the country.
Haydon was a lifetime Ladner resident and Delta firefighter who lost a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2018 at the age of 36, leaving behind his young family. He was also a big part of the lacrosse community as a player and a coach.
In his honour, the Thomas Haydon Memorial Game and Award was launched in 2019. The fundraiser is typically held in early June where his former teammates and friends get together for a fun game and social before presenting the award to a member of the Delta Junior “A” Islanders.
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, this year’s Thomas Haydon day took place on June 11.
"The THMA event was a success. The organizers appreciate all the volunteers and community-members that supported the event. A little over $22,000 was raised and will be donated in its entirety towards a scoreboard in the newly renovated-outdoor lacrosse box," said the alumni group in a prepared statement.
During last Monday’s regular council meeting, the donation was endorsed by the City of Delta which has agreed to provide mounts and power for the 12x8 foot scoreboard and shot clocks. Both will have a life expectancy of around 30 years.
The Thomas Haydon Memorial scoreboard is expected to be delivered in the next 10 to 12 weeks with Devan Wray of Caliber Sports providing installation at no charge.
