Markham honours our athletes with sport hall of fame

Markham honours our athletes with sport hall of fame

MARKHAM, ON - April 11, 2018 - Today Markham launched the nomination process for the City's first-ever Markham Sport Hall of Fame (MSHOF), which will be housed at the Markham Pan Am Centre.

"Markham is a top world sports destination. The Markham Sport Hall of Fame gives us the chance to reflect on and celebrate our long and diverse history in sport," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "It is important to share the stories of our exceptional athletes and their outstanding achievements; they are role models for all Canadians and their legacy will inspire future generations. I encourage you to nominate your hero!"

Celebrating our Canadian identity through sport unites our community and makes the City an international sports destination. The MSHOF will be accessible to all who wish to learn about and celebrate the outstanding athletic achievements and contributions to sport from those with a strong connection to Markham.

It takes great talent for one to achieve excellence in sports, especially on the world stage and in Markham we have many individuals who have achieved this level of recognition. The City of Markham is home to many great athletes, including but not limited to Steven Stamkos, Andre De Grasse, Michelle Li, Milos Raonic, Sara Wells and many more.

“On behalf of the Markham Sport Hall of Fame Advisory Committee, we are thrilled to see our dream come to reality with the launch of our nomination process and first induction gala planned," says Meg Stokes, Chair of the Markham Sport Hall of Fame Advisory Committee. "Markham has such a rich talent pool of outstanding athletes both today and in its past, that we feel it is long overdue that we formally recognize and honour them and their accomplishments.”

In order to meet nomination criteria, candidates must: be born or grow up in Markham, live or work in Markham at the time of their achievement, or be a member of a team competing for Markham.

This legacy project came to life as a way for Markham to continue to leverage and build on the resources and partnerships developed during 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, when the City hosted four sold out events.

The inaugural MSHOF induction ceremony of honourees will take place in the Fall of 2018.

PHOTOS

Back row L to R: Bill Crothers S.S. students; Michelle Tong, Badminton Canada; Lindsay Grigg, Megan Bozek and Jamie Lee Rattray, Markham Thunder; Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti; Meg Stokes, MSHOF Committee Chair; Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong, Councillor Colin Campbell; Councillor Don Hamilton; MSHOF Committee members; Quisha Wint, Vocalist.

Front row L to R: Markham Aquatics Club members, Paul Poirier, Team Canada Olympic Ice Dancer.

Markham Thunder's Jamie Lee Rattray leads the Markham Sport Hall of Fame athlete procession carrying the Clarkson Cup.

To submit an online nomination form, click here. 

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684.