James Laforest was born in Woodstock on May 5, 1961.

 A 1980 graduate of Woodstock High School, James was a member of the Woodstock High Sputnick III Weightlifting Club coached by RCMP Cst. Craig Andrews.

The Sputnick III Club received unprecedented provincial recognition when team members Stephen Grant, James Laforest, David Welch, and Coach Craig Andrews were selected as part of the nine-man New Brunswick weightlifting team for the 1979 Jeux Canada Games in Brandon, Manitoba.

 On February 23, 1979, while competing in the 110+ Kilo Heavyweight Division, James Laforest successfully lifted weights of 85 Kilos in the Clean and Jerk and 65 Kilos in the Snatch to claim the Gold Medal with a combined weight of 150 Kilos.

 The Laforest Golf Medal in weightlifting was one of only six New Brunswick Gold Medals at the 1979 Canada Games.

 Later in March, when writing of James Laforest’s achievement, the Hon. Richard B. Hatfield, Premier of New Brunswick, commented:

 "Winning the gold medal for weightlifting at the Canada Games was indeed spectacular... Through your athletic endeavours you have brought honour and recognition to our Province and I join with all New Brunswickers in expressing appreciation of your accomplishments and sincere best wishes for the future.”

The commitment and dedication exemplified by James Laforest in the sport of weightlifting will serve to offer our local athletes inspiration as they pursue excellence and compete on the national stage.

~ INDUCTION MAY 12TH, 2007 ~