Sport Manitoba – Seven Individuals and One Team Dynasty Inducted
Nov. 2, 2019 – Winnipeg, MB – Seven individuals and one team dynasty were formally inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, drawing in a crowd of more than 500 people who celebrated the event’s 40th anniversary.
“Manitoba has a proud tradition of producing great athletes, and we are excited to celebrate four decades of tribute to their accomplishments in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame,” Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox said. “This year’s inductees reflect the wide diversity of the sports that Manitobans play, and they also reflect the diversity of our community. My sincere congratulations to each and every one of you!”
The individual inductees were:
- Charles Baksh (Athlete) – Cricket
- Susanne Dandenault (Athlete) – Athletics/Weightlifting
- Don Hornby (Builder) – Rowing
- Jon Montgomery (Athlete) – Skeleton
- Maureen Orchard (Builder) – Basketball/Wheelchair Basketball
- Michelle Stilwell (Athlete) – Wheelchair Sport
- Hector Vergara (Builder) – Soccer
The team inductees were:
- 1987/1988/1989 Brandon University Bobcats (Team) – Basketball
The inductees were honoured during a special presentation filled with photos and stories that highlighted their professional and personal journeys in sport, and were presented with a plaque and personalized medallion to mark their induction.
“The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame’s 40th Annual Induction Dinner and Ceremony is something I feel very lucky and honoured to be a part of,” Sport Manitoba President & CEO Jeff Hnatiuk said. “It is an anniversary that deserves great recognition because of what the Hall of Fame and its Honoured Members have been able to do for Manitoba’s sport community for so many years, and that is to preserve and celebrate our local sport heritage and inspire our youth to pursue their dreams. Congratulations to all the inductees on your outstanding achievements!”
The evening featured a silent auction where attendees bid on items such as autographed prizes from the Hall of Fame’s newest inductees and Honoured Members, as well as prizes from professional sport organizations and the arts community.
Long-time Winnipeg Sun and Brandon Sun reporter, Kirk Penton, was also inducted at the event for the 2019 Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour.
“It was an incredible evening and we are happy we could celebrate with our community who came together from all across the country,” Chair of the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame Jason Treloar said. “We are grateful to have this exceptional slate of inductees on the 40th anniversary. They are fantastic examples of the success that comes from perseverance, dedication and talent, and we are proud to recognize and showcase their accomplishments.”
The recent opening of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame’s feature exhibit also coincided with the 40th anniversary induction. The gallery showcases artifacts and memorabilia from Honoured Members, dating back to the first induction year in 1980. The exhibit will run until May 2020.
About
A program of Sport Manitoba, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame’s mandate is to collect, preserve, showcase and celebrate the history and heritage of sport excellence in Manitoba. For more information, please visit the website.
Sport Manitoba is a not-for-profit organization and the lead planning, programming and funding agency for the development of amateur sport in Manitoba. Located at 145 Pacific Avenue in Winnipeg, Sport Manitoba partners with over 100 organizations to deliver sport in the province and is responsible for programs including the Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro, Sport Manitoba Coaching, Team Manitoba, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Fit Kids Healthy Kids, and KidSport. Services provided include the Sport Manitoba Clinic, Sport Manitoba Performance, Sport Manitoba Fitness Centre, and the Paul Robson Resource Centre for Leadership and Coaching.
Photo of Class of 2019 on stage.
For more information or to request an interview or images, please contact:
Sam Cortes
Communications Coordinator, Sport Manitoba
Office: 204-925-5614
Cell: 204-290-7630
sam.cortes@sportmanitoba.ca
OR
Rick Brownlee
Sport Heritage Manager, Sport Manitoba
Office: 204-925-5736
Cell: 204-612-7272
halloffame@sportmanitoba.ca
https://www.sportmanitoba.ca/hall-of-fame
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