Paying tribute to sport individuals who make their mark either in Canada or around the world is something special and truly makes Canadians proud.
Recently there were eight Canadian athletes who were introduced and will be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame this Fall.
In total there are six (6) Athletes plus two (2) Builders that will be awarded and recognized with Canada’s highest sporting honour for their specific sports accomplishments.
All of the individuals are a true representation of Indigenous, National, Olympic and Paralympic competitive sport as well as showing a passion for community spirit.
I am hearing that there were over 260 nominations from the public and were selected by jury for their ability to both inspire and lead for their respective sport by utilizing sport as their platform to build a better Canada.
Cheryl Bernard, President and CEO, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame told the media “We are pleased to announce that these eight Canadian Champions will join the 665 members of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in our 64th year. Each has, in their own way, broken down barriers, blazed new trails, and served as proud international ambassadors for Canadian values. This group reflects well on Canada, our rich sporting history and the future of sport and spirit.”
The following are the 2019 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees:
Athlete, Freestyle Skiing – The first Canadian athlete ever to win an Olympic Gold Medal on home soil at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Alex Bilodeau became the first freestyler skier to win two consecutive Olympic Gold Medals with his Gold Medal repeat performance in 2014.
Athlete, Para Nordic Skiing and Para-Athletics – Para Nordic Skiing and Wheelchair Racing ten-time Paralympian, Colette Bourgonje is the only Canadian female athlete to compete in both Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and the first to medal in dual events.
Athlete, Ice Hockey – Martin Brodeur transformed goaltending with his unique hybrid style of play, winning three Stanley Cup Championships and claiming the Vezina Trophy four times as the League’s best goaltender.
Jayna Hefford
Athlete, Ice Hockey Twelve-time World Women’s Championship Medallist and five-time Olympic Medallist, Jayna Hefford raised the bar for women’s hockey in Canada at a time when women’s ice hockey was breaking new ground.
Waneek Horn-Miller
Athlete, Water Polo – After winning a Gold Medal at the Pan American Games and co-captaining the first Canadian women’s water polo team in the Olympic Games, Waneek Horn-Miller remains an ambassador to empower Indigenous communities and youth through sport.
Athlete, Swimming Crossing some of the most daunting bodies of water in the world, Vicki Keith set 16 world records and received over 41 awards and honours as a marathon swimmer.
Guylaine Bernier
Builder, Rowing – Guylaine Bernier helped make history as part of the groundbreaking Canadian women’s rowing team at the 1976 Olympic Games and has been making waves as an athlete, official, coach, organizer and volunteer for over 45 years promoting gender equity, opportunities for young athletes and elite sport development.
Builder, Multi Sport – Doug Mitchell founded the BLG Awards (now the Lieutenant Governor Athletic Awards), served as Commissioner of the Canadian Football League introducing a salary cap policy.
He has been inducted into numerous Sport Halls of Fame and in 2004 he (Doug Mitchell) was invested into the Order of Canada. For those living in Vancouver and area it’s interesting to note that the UBC rink is named after him.
This years Induction Festival takes place on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, in Toronto.
For more info please visit sportshall.ca for more information.
