Mission:
Strive to celebrate and promote athletes, teams, coaches, officials and builders who have achieved the highest standards of excellence while representing Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. And to recognize those whose contributions have been exemplary in the promotion of sport, as well as current athletes who are achieving significant standards.
Historical Timelines:
| September 2007 | In September 2007, a group of Hamilton sports enthusiasts began efforts to create The Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing Hamiltonians and those that have represented our community at a distinctive and successful level. This group recognized that many other organizations within our greater community had created methods of honouring significant achievers. Working to be as cooperative and respectful to these other organizations, and inspired by their passion for Greater Hamilton’s Sports History.In time, a Board of Directors was formed; a not-for-profit corporation was registered, initial start up funding secured, constitution established, and formats for Board Invitation, Selection Committee Application, nomination procedures and criteria for induction finalized. |
| November 2009 | A media launch was held at the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum on November 23, 2009. Anticipating a turn-out of approximately 75 including local media, the Board was overwhelmed with an attendance that doubled expectations and included representatives from all facets of the city – politicians, dignitaries, legendary sporting Heros, business leaders, community sport volunteers, and sporting participants.The first announcement expanded on the concept of an on-line “Hall” with a general plan to build into a physical existence. It outlined the public involvement in the selection committee participation and nomination process. An educational compenent was introduced to ensure that the youth of our community appreciate not only the sporting achievements themselves, but in the context of evolving economic, environmental, technological, and demographic changes (and challenges) the individuals and teams faced as they reached their levels of success. |
| January 2010 | Throughout the month of January, the Hall Board accepted applications from those wishing to sit on the Selection Committee, which carried with it a 2 year term. In excess of 120 resumes were received from an outstanding list of credible individuals. From these, 10 were chosen for this inaugural committee, about to undertake a task that each of them may have underestimated. |
| Winter 2010 | During the early months of 2010 the nomination process began with the promotional support of media partners The Hamilton Spectator and Corus Radio – Y108 and 900 CHML. In excess of 250 athletes, teams, builders, and luminaries were nominated, giving the initial Selection Committee a worthy challenge to reduce to 12 inaugural inductees. Over the course of several weeks in March, the Selection Committee debated spiritedly and with passion, to produce the list of the 2010 Inaugural Hall Members. |
| March 2010 | In March 2010, Carmen’s Banquet Centre hosted the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame Inaugural Induction Announcement Luncheon in front of an impressive group of attendees. The Inaugural Inductees consisted of an impressive array of Hamilton Sports leaders from various walks of life, representing a variety of eras and sport, the names of which is located on the inductee page of this website. That same week, the inductees and/or their representatives were introduced as part of a special opening ceremony prior to a Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey game, in front of over 5000 spectators. |
| September 2010 | The Inaugural Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame Dinner was held in September of 2010. Over 500 attendees stood and cheered for the 12 inductees and/or their representatives in an emotional and entertaining ceremony. Following a vídeo montage paying respect to each inductee, the legendary Russ Jackson represented the Class of 2010 with a memorable and respectful valedictorian address. |
| Winter/Spring 2011 | The next steps are underway for nomination and selection of the 2nd wave of inductees, with the Induction Announcement scheduled for May 17th, followed by the Hall of Fame Dinner on September 27th. Progress continues positively on all aspects of the mission, including investigation into physical locations, the collection of memorabilia, and the outline of the eductational program to fit within our community schools’ curriculum. Additionally, efforts are being made to create a sustainable financial plan for future growth through private and corporate partnerships within a comprehensive plan. |
| May 2011 | Carmen’s Banquet Centre once again hosted the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame Induction Announcement Breakfast. 9 individuals and one team made of the class of 2011 Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame. |
| September 2011 | On September 27th, the Class of 2011 was honoured at the annual Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame Dinner. Over 500 attendees honoured this second year of inductions, and following the now traditional video montage, Cecelia Carter-Smith represented the new inductees with an emotional and classy valedictorian address. |
