The Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame launches its annual nomination drive this week, looking to find the Class of 2015.
The CSHOF is into its third year, honoring athletes and coaches who’ve attained distinction at the provincial, national or international level.
“We are looking to recognize the very best of the best,” says CSHOF spokesman Barry Douglas. “There are many stories of Chilliwackians competing at the elite levels of their sports, but those stories have been lost over time. We need your help to bring these people and their accomplishments back into the spotlight.”
In 2013 the CSHOF recognized ex-National Hockey Leaguer Dave Archibald, the national champion Turbo fast-pitch team and local coaching legend Joe Ogmundson.
Last year’s class included former BC Lion great Rick Klassen and the national champ 1968 3-Field hockey squad.
“It was great seeing Carl Marsh, Doug ‘Smokey’ Grossart and others from 3-Field honoured last October,” Douglas says. “That’s an example of a team that had been largely forgotten, and it was great telling the story of who they were and what they did.”
Nominations come in throughout the year through the CSHOF website at chilliwacksportshalloffame.com — names like Denis Andersen, Bob Harms, Don Martino, Al Brew and others.
“We believe there are many more who are equally deserving of recognition, and we’re determined to find them,” Douglas says. “We’re asking Chilliwackians to give us some leads, particularly in the builder category, where so many contributed to making this such a great sports community.”
This fall the CSHOF will induct the first nominee in the newly renamed ‘Judy Fitzsimmons Builder Category,’ honouring the CSHOF’s first president and the woman who played such a huge role in launching the CSHOF.
“Without Judy and her efforts, this never would have gotten off the ground,” Douglas says. “We miss her greatly and this is one small way we can keep the memory of her alive.”
Nominations will remain open until July 31.
Forms can be filled out online at the CSHOF website, or clipped from the newspaper and mailed to Prospera Centre at 45323 Hodgins Ave, Chilliwack, BC, V2P 8G.
Criteria for athletes is as follows:
Must have participated successfully in amateur or professional sport at the Provincial and National or International level as an individual or a member of a team, and performing in such a way as to bring special honour to Chilliwack. Said athlete must have been a resident of Chilliwack at the time of their achievement(s) or represented an Chilliwack institution or team.
Criteria for teams is as follows:
Must have attained a high level of excellence and brought honour to Chilliwack sport at a Provincial, National or International level in relation to junior, senior or university / college level. Teams representing Chilliwack or universities, colleges or high schools will only be considered.
Criteria for builders is as follows:
A coach/builder can be defined as an administrator, coach, coaching staff, referee, official, trainer or volunteer. Must have attained a high level of excellence and brought recognition or honour to Chilliwack sport through ongoing dedication to building of athletes, teams or sport itself. Said coach/builder must have been a resident of Chilliwack at the time of achievement(s) or represented an Chilliwack sporting body.
Email info@chilliwacksportshalloffame.com
— The CSHOF will be making an exciting announcement in the next month.
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