The Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame needs help to find the Class of 2017.
The nomination window is now open as the CSHOF looks for athletes, teams and builders who deserve to be recognized.
“We are looking for the best of the best, people who have risen to the pinnacle of their sport,” said CSHOF spokesman Barry Douglas. “No matter what sport it is, we’re looking for athletes and teams who have made their mark competing at a provincial, national or international level.”
Last fall the CSHOF inducted Lara Mussell-Savage, a two-time world champion in the growing sport of Ultimate Frisbee.
Mussell-Savage helped Canada win gold medals in the 2000 and 2004 Ultimate World Championships, adding bronze medals in 1998 and 2008.
In 2005, Mussell Savage, who is a member and elected Councillor of Skwah First Nation, won the Tom Longboat Award as Canada’s Female Aboriginal Athlete of the Year.
“Lara embodies what it means to be a Hall of Famer, achieving greatness at the highest levels of competition,” Douglas said. “She was also the first female to be inducted into the CSHOF and we would love to find others who deserve that honour.”
The CSHOF did not induct a team last year, but three have been enshrined; the 1997 national champion Chilliwack Turbo junior baseball team, the 1968 national champion 3-Field hockey squad and the 1994 provincial champion midget AAA hockey team.
“Inducting a team into the CSHOF is always fun because a reunion is often attached to the event,” Douglas said. “Having those teams come together after decades apart creates a truly memorable experience, for them and for us.”
The Judy Fitzsimmons Builder Category recognizes individuals who have had a significant and lasting impact on the Chilliwack sports scene.
Legendary Chilliwack Chiefs coach Harvey Smyl was inducted last year.
In years past the CSHOF has recognized the efforts of Jack Covey and Joe Ogmundson.
“Without the contributions of our builders, Chilliwack’s sports landscape wouldn’t be what it is today,” Douglas said. “Sometimes these people do what they do anonymously and don’t get the recognition they should, and we take great pride in shining the spotlight on them.”
The deadline for 2017 nominations is July 15.
The criteria and a nomination form can be found online at chilliwacksportshalloffame.com/nomination-form/
— The CSHOF will induct its fifth class this fall at its second annual Chilliwack Sports Dinner.
This year’s banquet will include two very special guests you won’t want to miss. Find the CSHOF on Facebook or follow @CHWKSportsHOF on Twitter to get the latest news.