Pizza, Pride And a Push For The Olympics

Kelli McRobert | Sep 24, 2025

Pizza, Pride, and a Push to the Olympics

On a sun-drenched Fall Saturday afternoon in Sydenham, the scent of fresh dough and melted cheese mingled with the buzz of excitement (and wasps) as locals packed into Mike’s Pizza and More for a special cause. The beloved pizzeria hosted a fundraiser for hometown hero Jay Dearborn, a Canadian Olympian and bobsleigh team member, drawing a crowd that spilled out onto the sidewalk.

Jay, tall and rugged with the unmistakable build of a former CFL player, greeted guests with his signature grin and humble charm. Known for his explosive speed on the football field, it was that same athleticism that earned him a spot on Canada’s bobsleigh team. Now, as he prepares for the next Winter Olympics in Italy, the community that shaped him is stepping up to help fund his journey.

“It’s incredible to see everyone here,” Jay said, standing beside one of the bobsleighs he trains with—a rugged, well-worn beast of a machine that had clearly seen its share of icy tracks. “This town has always been my home.”

The sleigh became a centrepiece of the event, with guests lining up for photo ops and even daring to climb in for a taste of the athlete’s world. Among the crowd were many of Jay’s former teachers, coaches, and friends, turning the afternoon into a heartfelt reunion of sorts. Laughter echoed as stories from Jay’s school days resurfaced, and more than one teacher joked about how they always knew he’d go far—though maybe not quite this fast, as they chuckled and asked for help to get out of the sleigh.

Mike’s Pizza and More was firing on all cylinders, dishing out crowd favourite slices and pies—actual Canadian comfort food. For every Canadian pizza sold, a portion went straight to Jay Dearborn’s training fund, and the generosity didn’t stop there. Guests eagerly added donations and bought up raffle tickets, turning slices into support. Outside, a roadside tribute to Jay’s athletic journey drew curious eyes: a pair of scuffed, timeworn training shoes sat proudly on display. “These have seen a lot…” Jay chuckled, explaining how each nick and crease told a story of countless hours spent perfecting the split-second manoeuvres that define bobsleigh racing.

Adding to the warmth of the day was Jay’s mother, who stood roadside chatting with everyone with proud enthusiasm. Dressed head-to-toe in Canadian colours, her flowing white hair caught the sunlight as she mingled with guests, sharing stories of Jay’s past triumphs and hopes for the future. Her energy was magnetic, drawing in old friends and new supporters alike.

“Jay’s dedication is unmatched,” said Mike, the owner of the pizzeria. “He trains year-round, and now he’s heading west for more intense prep before Italy. We just wanted to do our part.”

The fundraiser wasn’t just about money—it was a celebration of resilience, community, and the power of local support. Jay’s journey from CFL standout to Olympic hopeful is a testament to what hard work and heart can achieve. And in Sydenham, that spirit runs deep.

As the afternoon faded, Jay took a moment to thank everyone and do the final raffle draw. The final tally of donations is ongoing, but the latest count stands at over $4,500.00. Donations are still being accepted through the store, via e-transfer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by reaching out to Jay at jaydearborn.ca.

With full bellies and fuller hearts, the crowd dispersed, leaving behind a trail of pizza boxes and memories. And for Jay Dearborn, the road t