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Norfolk County native Dean Jerome Bint was among the very best roller skaters in the world. He began rolling skating at the White Horse Plaza roller rink at age 8 and quickly showed a keen interest in the sport. Even as a youngster, it was apparent Dean could do great things with his feet as he glided across the wooden floor. But it took more than natural skill to reach the level he did in his chosen sport. The more coaching he took in, the more competitions he tried, the better he got. His skating took him to London, Kitchener, Michigan, Hamilton, Burlington and Buffalo for coaching and competition. For over a decade he dominated the Canadian Men's Singles Championships, winning 14 titles between 1975 and 1989. He shared the Ontario and Canadian Sophomore Doubles championship with his sister Dolly in 1985. By 1980, Dean was ready to compete with the world's best. He represented Canada in world competition five times -- in 1980 (12th), 1985 (8th), 1986, 1987, 1988 (9th) and 1989 (9th) -- competing in Texas, Florida, Italy, Columbia, and New Zealand. He also represented Canada in the sport at PanAm Games twice in the 1980s, placing first in one of the competitions. Dean has passed on his skills and talent to other youngsters. He coaches young skaters in the art and sport of line skating. Two of his protégés rank among the top skaters in Canada and one has placed sixth in world competition. Dean was inducted into our Hall of Recognition in 1996. ______ |
Dean Bint
