BC Sports Hall of Fame 2016 Inductees

The BC Sports Hall of Fame officially introduced the 2016 Inductees that will be inducted at the Vancouver Convention Center at the Banquet and Induction Ceremony June 9^th.

In total 12 individuals are being recognized for their service in various areas for sports, which include Athlete, Builder, Team, Pioneer, Media and the prestigious WAC Bennett Award.

The evening was emceed by Jim Robinson, Lunn Kanuka and Sean Millington and it should be noted that Tom Larscheid was scheduled as the evenings MC, but due to personal matters he was unable to attend.

The Athlete category has (five in total) Dave Barr (Golf), Dave Cutler (Football), Geri Donnelly (Soccer), Steve Nash (Basketball) and Carl Valentine representing Soccer.

The builders category has three inductees entering the Hall and the line-up has Wally Buono (Football), Diane Clement (Athletics) and Allison McNeil with Basketball.

The Team category is represented by the 1994-95 Kamloops Blazers, with the Pioneer award going to Soccer’s Harry Manson and getting the nod in the Media was Wendy Long.

The prestigious WAC Bennett Award is being presented to Arthur Griffiths, who will be inducted as the only Father and Son in the Hall.

The evening started off with a meet-and-greet with members of the media being allowed the privilege of getting a one-on-one with one or the inductees, past or present.

The inductees were “first-class” when it came to opening up about the career or sport of choice and gave credit to anyone and everyone that helped them reach this plateau.

It goes without saying that the one’s that helped or gave of their undivided time and money were all volunteers during the early days and all remember who these individuals were.

Upon entering the doors of the Hall, the first one I had the opportunity to spend time with was Arthur Griffiths, former owner of the Vancouver Canucks and the Vancouver Grizzlies in their infancy.

Looking around the room, I spotted one of the most prolific motivators I have even met, so naturally I went over to have a meet-and-greet.

I first met him at the NRCP Level 6 seminar in Victoria in 1982 that was hosted by (at that time) the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association.

He spoke on motivation and what it takes to get a referee to advance his career to the next level, always remembering where you (the official) got their start – the minor level of sport.

Vic Lindal was the Manager of the first Canadian Women’s Volleyball team in 1967 and Head Coach of the second Canadian Women’s Volleyball team.

The rest of the evening was spent with taking sports to all the inductees, who were excited, pleased and in some cases “shocked” they got the call and the nomination.

When you look at the 12 inductees and should you ever have a chance to talk to them, I urge you to “act like a sponge” and literally soak everything in.

You simply won’t be disappointed and quite frankly, if you have what I call the PHD of sports (Pride, Hustle and Desire) you might follow your dream and one day join this group of illustrious individuals.

On behalf of the Sportswave “crew” special “thanks” to Eddie Tabakman and Allison Mailer (Executive Director) BC Sports Hall of Fame for the assistance with any and all our requests.

Interesting to read over Jason Beck (Curators) new book “The Miracle Mile” now on sale at the BC Sports Hall of Fame for a reasonable price of $29.95 plus tax, which you can order on line at [email protected]

More stories to follow on each of the inductees shortly.

Photo by Sportswave Photographer Laird Allan