‘Our biggest cheerleader and hometown hero’
Lewisporte arena renamed to honour local and loved Special Olympian
There were few dry eyes in the packed house as a wellknown figure in Lewisporte was recently honoured. Their hometown hero was ecstatic at the renaming of the community stadium to The Mike Austin Arena. His arms shot up in the air in celebration and he wiped his eyes.
“Mike, this is celebration of you and your significant contribution to our community,” Lewisporte Mayor Krista Freake said from the stage. “Home of our number one fan, our biggest cheerleader and hometown hero.”
For several years there have been conversations about honouring Mike for his impact on the community. When the idea to rename the arena came to the recreation committee it was supported by council.
Mike’s impact on his community goes beyond the arena. He’s been recognized for his sportsmanship and received numerous awards and honours, including the Queen Elizabeth Il Diamond Jubilee Medal and the symbolic “key” to the Town of Lewisporte.
Mike’s mother Evelyn Austin and father Norman Austin have been by his side through the ups and downs. Mike was born at seven and a half months, weighing 4 lbs 11 oz.
At a week old he was sent to the Janeway where he underwent major stomach surgery. While there he went down to 2 lbs 15 oz.
“He had to stay in the Janeway for three months fed by a tube because he still couldn’t keep his milk down,” Norman says.
He had a cleft pallet repaired, two open heart surgeries, multiple stomach surgeries, tubes replaced in his ears, and his esophagus was stretched on numerous occasions because he couldn’t swallow his food.
“His jaws weren’t forming right so they had to break his jaw and rewire his mouth for six weeks … it was one thing after another,” Norman says. “He battled throughout his life with medical issues but always
came back strong. It didn’t keep him down.”
Mike has always been close to his younger brother Russell.
“That’s where Mike became friends with the players and the people in the stadium and got his love for hockey,” Norman says.
Mike also plays softball, is in three different bowling leagues, and is involved in Special Olympics. He’s impacted all ages and his parents say they learn from him daily.
“Of all his sickness I don’t think he’s complained,” Norman says.
All over the province and beyond, Mike is recognized and when asked where from, the answer is usually a stadium. Even on a trip a few years ago someone called him by name on the subway in the centre of Montreal. He was from New Brunswick but met Mike in Bishop’s Falls Stadium a couple times.
Days after the arena naming celebration ended, Mike is still over the moon.
“He was speechless,” his mother says. “He doesn’t cry a lot, but he teared up … He was so excited.”
Mike’s parents thank those involved, especially Ashley Ivany and Tiffany Hynes, as well as staff and council and the community for its support.