Over the years if you live in Delta you realize that the City has a wealth of exceptional sports individuals who teach, instruct, develop and nurture young athletes to not just “reach for the stars” but set their sights to achieve their goals.
This past week the sporting world lost a true legend in the world with the passing of Jack Taunton who was appointed to the Order of Canada in June for his work, which included helping found The Vancouver Sun Run and Vancouver Marathon.
It was mentioned last night that Dr. Jack Taunton and Phil Knight were friends as they had run various marathons and one day he asked Jack if he was interested in getting involved in a somewhat small running shoe company he was starting simply called Nike.
Jack was more focused on his medical practice and respectfully declined the offer and the rest is history.
Jack was appointed to the Order of Canada in June that accompanied a resume which included working with teams at eight Olympic Games.
In addition he also was also co-ordinating the medical portion of Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour also helping found The Vancouver Sun Run and Vancouver Marathon.
The concept all started with an idea dating back to 2005 which at first was an idea that laid out the groundwork for what has become known as the Delta Sports Hall of Fame.
Since then myself and Kevin Adlem with (formerly) Delta TV began covering the event which first had press events for various media outlets that mainly saw the only media attending were local media.
Since then Delta TV has now become Eastlink TV and the press events have been put on the back-burner probably due to poor attendance from the major market media outlets in the lower mainland.
Regardless; the Delta Sports Hall of Fame continues to recognize individuals, teams, pioneers and sponsors who have all made a huge contribution to the City which continues to amaze me that Delta has such a vast number making Delta a better place to live, play and raise a Family.
In addition if you have never seen the “Delta Sports Wall of Fame” it is situated on your left as you are walking to the front of Delta’s City Hall and is well worth your time to reflect and remember the many individuals or teams who have put Delta on the sporting map.
When you reflect over the years it’s interesting to know that the Hall has managed to include 136 individuals and teams who were inducted for their involvement in sport in Delta as well as recognizing an additional 144 Sport Champions.
The Delta Sports Hall of Fame will add an additional seven (7) individuals and groups as well as eight (8) Sport Champions.
One such individual to name only one is North Delta’s Tom Brewer who was recognized as a volunteer for his work in officiating ball hockey, ice hockey as well as timekeeping when called up.
He has been involved over 34 years giving his time to today’s youth to make the game better for them and future generations which he hopes that everyone will continue to volunteer such as he has done over this span.
As you would expect the program included greetings from Carla Qualtrough who is currently Canada’s Minister of Sport and Physical Activity as well as Delta Mayor George Harvie.
While all past Keynote Speakers have been exceptional this year Joy Fera reached out and managed to outdo herself getting Josh Vander Vies to talk to those in attendance.
He is one of Canada’s top international boccia players for more than a decade and made his debut at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens winning a Bronze Medal in Individuals at the 2011 Parapan American Games in Guadalajara as well as a 2012 Paralympic Bronze Medallist in pairs.
Once settled on stage his talk to everyone was one of the most compelling speeches I personally have had the privilege of listening to and I have heard many over the years.
His journey from a young age is one that many would simply give up or quit but he managed to persevere overcoming any and all obstacles he faced.
This year’s event was again for us to cover for Eastlink TV, one that we look forward to covering each October and we can’t wait till 2025.
2024 Delta Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
Athlete – Sara McManus, Field Hockey
Athlete – Paul Steel, Rowing
Team – 2001 Delta Heat, Softball
Builder – Kathy Lane, Softball
Coach – Tom Millar, Soccer
Pioneer – Peter Darvill, Pickleball
Sponsor – Allan and Phyllis Wawryk, Sundance Neighbourhood Pub
2024 Delta Sport Champions
Athlete of the Year – Ryan Decenzo, Street Skateboarding
Youth Athlete of the Year – Zach McLeod, Swimming
Youth Athlete of the Year – Camryn Tait, Basketball
Youth Athlete of the Year – Desmond Tregaskis, Baseball
Youth Athlete of the Year – Nistara Uppal, Soccer
Team of the Year – Seaquam AAAA Senior Girls, Basketball
Coach of the Year – Karen and Mike Kilpatrick, Volleyball
Volunteer of the Year – Tom Brewer, Ball Hockey
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