The Midland Sports Hall of Fame is looking for a few good men and women.
With 2020 induction ceremonies on hold due to COVID-19, the hall plans to officially welcome its class for that year while also inducting a new group for 2022 next September.
“We want to get it out to the community that the next Hall of Fame induction will be on September 24, 2022,” said Hall of Fame board chair Chester Graham, himself an inductee in several categories.
Nomination forms are available on the hall’s website, the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre and the town hall with nominees welcome in the athlete, builder, team and historical sports venue categories. Written nominations must be submitted by April 1 of the nomination year.
“Because of COVID, we’re down in nominations. We have a few carry-overs (from 2020),” Graham said, noting that even if someone isn’t admitted to the hall on the first go-around, their nomination will still be considered for the 2024 and 2026 induction.
“The public needs to submit their nominations. We need more nominations in order to do a good job of electing more candidates.”
Although last year’s official induction ceremony was postponed, the builders' category welcomed Doug Andrews, Gerry Asselin, Randy Butineau, Earl Scott and Thomas Wood. One historic venue (Midland Bay Sailing Club) and one team (1956 Little NHL provincial champions) were also inducted into the hall as well as one special recognition award recipient (Jim Wallace).
“The organization was established in 1994 with the first induction ceremony held in 1996,” said Graham, who also credited a vibrant and versatile board of directors with helping ensure the organization continues to thrive.
“We’re going into our 14th induction. It’s been very successful.”
To date, the hall’s roster includes 69 athletes, 50 builders, 36 teams, seven historic venues and four special recognition recipients.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is that we have people from 30 different sporting categories,” Graham said, noting that unlike some sports halls that only feature sports involving hockey and baseball teams, Midland’s hall features a wide range of sports and, therefore, appeals to a greater demographic of the population.
“We have a very well-rounded facility. It’s very diverse.”
