He was a football star at Moira Secondary School before a life-altering accident in 1989 claimed his right leg. Undaunted, Steve Stewart’s unwavering spirit and dedication to fitness led to international success in para-sports and induction to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday.
STEVE STEWART
2024 Inductee
Athlete, Powerlifting
Born in Peterborough in 1961, Steven took to sports at an early age playing hockey, box lacrosse, basketball, moto-cross racing and his real passion, football. In fact, Steve played high school football while still in public school. His journey to becoming an exceptional athlete accelerated when his family moved to Belleville in 1979. It was at Moira Secondary that Steve distinguished himself as a standout football player. Following graduation, Steve’s passion shifted to fitness and competitive bodybuilding. His personal drive led to many years of training and eventually competing throughout Ontario.
In 1989, his life took a dramatic turn, when an accident resulted in the loss of his right leg. Despite this life-altering event, Steve’s unwavering spirit and dogged dedication to fitness, saw him push through the intensely challenging and lengthy rehabilitation. During rehab, Steve was approached by Canadian Para Sports and soon after, he began competing against persons with physical disabilities. His first competition, The Ontario Disabled Games, was the beginning of many years of powerlifting competitions, resulting in several Canadian bench press records.
In 1991, Steve’s performance at the Canadian Games won him gold in the 90kg division and qualified him for the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona. He competed against the world’s best in bench press powerlifting, finishing seventh in the 100kg division. After several more surgeries, Steve again focused on preparing to represent Canada, this time at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta where he finished in seventh place. Following 1996, injuries took their toll, forcing Steve to retire from powerlifting competition only to pick up golf soon after. Golf became a passion that turned into competitive play on the amputee golf circuit throughout Ontario and the USA.
Steve Stewart’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and tireless commitment to excellence. His accomplishments in powerlifting and his representation of Canada on the international stage have earned him a deserving place in the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. Today, we honour Steve as an inspiring and remarkable example of excelling in sport and life regardless of physical challenges.
Steve Stewart joins Greg Terrion, Glenn Fortin, Mike Kirby and the Belleville Yardmen Ladies Softball team at Induction Ceremonies for the Hall of Fame this Saturday at 1:30 upstairs at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. The public is invited. There is no admission charge.
