CSAAA Legends Awards Banquet 2023: A Night of Celebration and Unity in the Firearms Industry
On December 1st, 2023, the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association (CSAAA) hosted its inaugural Legends Awards Banquet, a remarkable evening dedicated to recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals in the hunting and firearm industry. The event, held in Etobicoke Ontario, was a resounding success, bringing together over 100 industry members for a night of celebration, camaraderie, and heartfelt tributes.
The Legends Award Program, initiated in 2023, aimed to honour individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and longevity in the field. Nominees were selected by their peers and evaluated by the CSAAA Legends Committee, employing a comprehensive point system that considered criteria such as leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy efforts.
The highlight of the evening was the acknowledgment of three distinguished awardees:
John Mock: Former president of Stoeger Canada, whose legacy continues to influence and inspire the industry.
Kathryn Troubridge: Co-founder of Excalibur Crossbow, recognized for her pivotal role in shaping the landscape of hunting and archery.
Steve Cuppy: President of Graywood Sporting Group, celebrated for his leadership and pioneering achievements.
The banquet served as a testament to the resilience and unity within the hunting and firearm industry. The gathering witnessed competitors come together to honour their peers, showcasing the true colours of an industry bound by shared passion and purpose.
Attendees had the opportunity to bid on and win exciting auction items, including African Safari hunting trips, duck hunting excursions, firearms, office electronics, camping sets, smoker, gift Yeti, and more. The generosity of participants, combined with the support of sponsors and donors, contributed to the success of the event.
The CSAAA board expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors: Bowmac Gunpar, Korth Group, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and Big Rock Sports. Special thanks were extended to businesses that generously donated items for door prizes, game draw prizes, and the silent and live auction, including Graywood Sporting Group, Savage Arms Canada, Eastern Outdoor Sales Inc., Bowmac Gunpar, Stoeger Canada, Coonhound Sales + Marketing, Korth Group, The Evans Group, Tamgha Arms, Kolder Canada, Browning Canada, Upper Canada Sports Associates, EMJ Metals, DoAll Canada Inc., JR Wetlands Outfitters, Vista Outdoor, Revolution Armoury, Canadian Access to Firearms and Monsen’s Sporting Goods.
The night was filled with laughter, joy, and the spirit of collaboration, as attendees enjoyed dinner, drinks, prize draws, and exceptional deals on auction items. The CSAAA is sincerely thankful for the overwhelming support from those who attended, donated, sponsored, and contributed to making the Legends Awards Banquet a memorable success.
As the evening concluded, anticipation for future events ran high. The CSAAA looks forward to welcoming everyone to the next Legends Awards Banquet, where the industry will once again come together to celebrate its remarkable individuals and shared accomplishments.