Class of 2023 brings total number of inductees to 94
Lisa Weagle, whose long list of incredible curling success includes a women’s world title, three Canadian championships and two Olympic appearances, highlights a stellar cast of 2023 inductees into the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame.
The diverse group of 12 honourees, including some of Nepean’s best and brightest athletes and builders, will be officially recognized at an October 26, 2023 ceremony at the Nepean Sportsplex.
“We are truly excited to hold an in-person ceremony again,” said David Rattray, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Plans are well underway for what will be a memorable evening of celebrating and honoring sports achievement in Nepean.”
The class of 2023 includes former Canadian junior diving sensation Henry McKay, along with his renowned coach, Fernando Henderson, who have helped bring international attention to the Nepean Ottawa Diving Club.
The Wall also proudly welcomes Erika Hoffmann, an elite international race car driver, along with Kaitlyn Youldon, a standout national ringette star for more than a decade.
Ada Chan, who won five medals, including a gold, in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games and was an all-around champion at the 2002 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, will also be honoured.
The 2022 Nepean Knights Junior B box lacrosse squad, which found innovative ways to train during the COVID-19 pandemic, earned its way into the Wall thanks to an unparalleled season that culminated in a national championship, the first Ottawa-area junior box lacrosse team to capture such an honour.
In an effort to recognize the significant past and present impact of the vast support system for sports in Nepean, the Wall of Fame is also recognizing five fantastic builders: former Board chair and Nepean Raiders owner Gavin Leishman, gymnastics club founder Agnes Laing, figure skating guru Karen Butcher and passionate rugby supporter Richard Fleming.
Gord Wilson, radio colour commentator for the Ottawa Senators for more than three decades, and a proud product of Nepean’s J.S. Woodsworth High School is also being inducted in the media category.
Photos and bios of all 2023 inductees are available here.
Tickets for the October 26 induction ceremony at the Nepean Sportsplex cost $95.00 and can be purchased here.
During the past two years, the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame has undergone a significant rebranding exercise. That effort includes a new video display at the Nepean Sportsplex, a new user-friendly and bilingual website, a modernized logo, and a community outreach effort aimed at giving community sports groups a bigger voice in the selection of Wall of Fame members.
The Nepean Sports Wall of Fame is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors with deep ties to the Nepean community. The organization owns a vision to honour, preserve and celebrate Nepean’s sporting excellence, while upholding the principles of Excellence, Community, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through sporting pursuits.
For more information, visit nepeansportswalloffame.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Sherry Pang | Board of Directors, Nepean Sports Wall of Fame
636-222-3897 | info@nepeansportswalloffame.org