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Saturday, December 12th, 2009
A few weeks ago a memo was sent out to Hamilton’s sports writers, business personnel, athletic directors and retired professional athletes to invite them to a gathering at the Canadian Football Hall of Fame on Monday morning. The reason for the meeting was kept quiet until the surprise was unleashed before a packed house downtown. Hamilton is to build its very own Sports Hall of Fame.
A trio of Hamilton sports enthusiasts developed the proposal in 2007 and as of Monday, the organizers hope to take the idea from an online shrine to a tangible home. Among the many ecstatic supporters at the rally was Ron Foxcroft, founder of the Fox 40 whistle and acclaimed basketball referee. “This is long overdue, the most important thing for me is the inspiration that this is going to provide our youth in this city,” said the Hamilton businessman and local sports booster. Foxcroft went on to say, “This announcement here today is a celebration. It’s a celebration of the city of Hamilton and it’s a celebration of the many sports heroes, builders, and athletes that have called this place their home.”
There are many good candidates for the hall of fame, but the nomination process will not officially begin until February 2010. Many well known local sports ambassadors and athletes are expected to be nominated including Dave Andreychuck, Bill Friday, Paula Schnurr, Harry Howell, Reid Coolsaet, Victor Copps, Ivor Wynne, and Chelsey Gotell. Suggestions for nominations are welcome. Send an email to the attention of Hamilton Spectator columnist and Hall of Fame committee member Garry McKay at [email protected].
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