Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2020/21 Inductees!
We believe sport has the power to build and evoke change, to draw awareness to make a difference and to unite us. COVID-19 has challenged all of us to be #StrongerTogether and I have never been so proud to be Canadian. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to see these challenges as opportunities and to focus our attention on the things that bring our community together. Sport has the ability to change how we feel about ourselves and about each other.
We’ve never been prouder of our sports history, our sports champions and their community spirit. Even though we are not able to do so in person, we want to share some good news at a time when there is so little and continue our mission of recognizing our Hall of Famers and our new Class of 2020/21 as role models, converting their competitive spirit into community spirit and uniting Canada through sport. Please see below for our official announcement of the Class of 2020/21.
We hope all of you are staying safe and healthy during these trying times.
All my best,
Cheryl BernardPresident and CEOCanada’s Sports Hall of Fame
May 27, 2020 – Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is excited to announce the Class of 2020/21 that will be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and will receive the Order of Sport award, Canada’s highest sporting honour. With no certainty regarding crowd size restrictions, travel bans and general safety measures, we have postponed their Induction celebration to 2021. At that time, we look forward to inducting this year’s remarkable class of athletes and builders who continue to shape their sports, communities and our country.
Six athletes and five builders were chosen this year to signify and celebrate Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame’s 65th anniversary year. They were selected from over 260 public nominations and by a committee comprised of sports broadcasters, writers, academics and athletes, all for their ability to lead and inspire both on and off the field of play, for their sports accomplishments and in recognition of their continuing role in building Canada through sport and the value they return to their communities.
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020/21 Inductees are:
- John “Jackie” Barrett- Athlete, Powerlifting and Special Olympian
- Sonja Gaudet – Athlete, Wheelchair Curling
- Diane Jones Konihowski – Athlete, Athletics
- Lorie Kane – Athlete, Golf
- Eric Lamaze and Hickstead – Team, Equestrian – Show Jumping
- Steve Nash – Athlete, Basketball
- Duncan Campbell – Builder, Wheelchair Rugby
- Sheldon Kennedy- Builder, Ice Hockey
- Judy Kent – Builder – Sport Administration
- Willie O’Ree – Builder, Ice Hockey
- Ross Powless – Builder, Lacrosse
For full biographies of the Class of 2020/21, please visit www.sportshall.ca.
“In these uncertain times, we are thrilled to be able to share a good news story and to have this remarkable group of people to induct into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame next year. We’ve never been more proud of our sports history, our sports champions, and their community spirit, and we are formally recognizing these athletes and builders for living and sharing sports values – Canada’s shared values; respect, equality, fairness and openness. We look forward to bringing Canada together in 2021 to celebrate this exceptional Class when we induct and award them with the Order of Sport for their beyond sport contributions to our country.” said Cheryl Bernard, President and CEO, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
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ABOUT THE ORDER OF SPORTCanada’s Sports Hall of Fame created the Order of Sport award to modernize recognition and reflect the growing cultural significance of sport to Canadians; one that connects Canada’s greatest sports champions to the greater good. The Order of Sport provides the stature and optics that refresh credentials and emboldens our champions to step into the spotlight with new purpose. With the Order of Sport, we are providing a platform and extending the runway for champions that connect sport + spirit. For more information about the Order of Sport, click here
ABOUT CANADA’S SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Located in Calgary, Alberta at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is a registered charitable organization and has been a vital cultural institution in Canada for the past 65 years. As one of North America’s oldest sports museums, the organization’s focus is on recognition, education, curation, and thought leadership. These four pillars help to support and celebrate Canada’s sport heroes for the value and impact they return to their communities. Over 673 people have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its establishment in 1955, and as of 2019, the new Order of Sport is awarded as part of induction to Canada’s top athletes and builders for their ongoing role in building Canada through sport.
2020 MAJOR EVENTS – POSTPONED UNTIL 2021
Due to the COVID-19 situation and with no certainty regarding crowd size restrictions and travel ban timelines, we are delaying our two major fundraising and recognition events (the May 2020 Sport + Spirit Charity Gala that was to take place today with a morning media conference to announce the Inductees and the October Induction Festival) until 2021. The Class of 2020/21 will be formally recognized at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame’s Induction Festival in the Fall of 2021. At that time, we look forward to inducting and awarding the Order of Sport award to this incredible group of athletes and builders.
The health and well-being of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame employees, visitors, volunteers, Hall of Famers, Board of Governors, families and students are our top priority. Effective March 16, 2020 we closed our museum to the public until year-end. Though our physical museum is closed, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is committed to the integrity of our programming. We will continue to operate our online and outreach education programs as well as our community travelling exhibits when restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so. Even though we are not able to gather in person at this time, the team at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will continue to look for new and innovative ways to connect, inform and inspire all Canadians in the coming months.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Ruth Cowan
Liaison Officer
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
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COVID-19 has meant that both of our 2020 fundraisers have been cancelled. The proceeds from these events are used to support Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Education Programs that educate youth on the values, history and culture of sport in this country; building Canada through sport. We must meet these challenges associated with COVID-19 head-on, together. Would you be willing to donate? Your donation will make sure that when we pass this crisis, our education programs continue to be available to youth across Canada. Thank you for considering a gift today.