Jim Bender
Inducted 2009
Primary Outlet
Winnipeg Sun
Over a 35-year career in journalism, Jim Bender established himself as a respected and passionate voice in Manitoba sports media.
He covered numerous major events, including the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Grey Cup victories in 1984 and 1988, the Winnipeg Goldeyes winning the Northern League Championship in their inaugural 1994 season and Jennifer Jones’s triumph at the 2013 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, as well as her 2008 world championship and three Canadian crowns.
Bender earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba before enrolling in the Creative Communications program at Red River College, where he graduated in 1982. He began his career at the Winnipeg Sun as a backup beat reporter for both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets.
Travelling with the Blue Bombers and covering curling events across Manitoba and Canada were among the highlights of his professional life. A dedicated curling fan since childhood, Bender not only covered the sport extensively but also played it for much of his life, even once scoring a rare 8-ender.
He also reported on politics and crime late his career, but sports always remained his true passion.
“I had an amazing career. I didn’t make a lot of money, but I really enjoyed what I was doing,” he said.
Bender was also deeply involved with the Christmas Cheer Board since 1987, contributing weekly fundraising columns during the holiday season.
After retiring from the Winnipeg Sun in 2018, Bender remained active in the sports media world. He has continued to cover Jets and Blue Bombers games for The Canadian Press and contributed freelance work to publications such as the Winnipeg Free Press, Winnipeg Sun and GAME ON Magazine.
He considers being named an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Manitoba Curling Association and his induction into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour among his proudest accomplishments.
Jim Bender was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 2009.
He covered numerous major events, including the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Grey Cup victories in 1984 and 1988, the Winnipeg Goldeyes winning the Northern League Championship in their inaugural 1994 season and Jennifer Jones’s triumph at the 2013 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, as well as her 2008 world championship and three Canadian crowns.
Bender earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba before enrolling in the Creative Communications program at Red River College, where he graduated in 1982. He began his career at the Winnipeg Sun as a backup beat reporter for both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets.
Travelling with the Blue Bombers and covering curling events across Manitoba and Canada were among the highlights of his professional life. A dedicated curling fan since childhood, Bender not only covered the sport extensively but also played it for much of his life, even once scoring a rare 8-ender.
He also reported on politics and crime late his career, but sports always remained his true passion.
“I had an amazing career. I didn’t make a lot of money, but I really enjoyed what I was doing,” he said.
Bender was also deeply involved with the Christmas Cheer Board since 1987, contributing weekly fundraising columns during the holiday season.
After retiring from the Winnipeg Sun in 2018, Bender remained active in the sports media world. He has continued to cover Jets and Blue Bombers games for The Canadian Press and contributed freelance work to publications such as the Winnipeg Free Press, Winnipeg Sun and GAME ON Magazine.
He considers being named an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Manitoba Curling Association and his induction into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour among his proudest accomplishments.
Jim Bender was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 2009.