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City of Powell River considers forming sports hall of fame

Committee directs staff to find residents interested in developing concept
sports
RECOGNIZING GREATNESS: City of Powell River councillor Jim Palm is a supporter of forming a local sports hall of fame, a way the region can acknowledge its athletic community. Chris Bolster photo

Recognition of Powell River’s sports heroes is in the works, but where a proposed sports hall of fame will be located inside Powell River Recreation Complex remains an unanswered question.

At its November 14 meeting, City of Powell River’s committee of the whole provided unanimous consent for staff, along with councillor Jim Palm, to start searching for community members interested in helping to establish a sports hall of fame on the complex’s upper floor outside of the Poplar Room.

City director of parks, recreation and culture Ray Boogaards presented an initial concept for a series of display cases that would line one side of the hall. Once complete, the display will highlight national and international achievements of athletes from Powell River, something the region currently lacks, said Boogaards.

"A sports hall of fame is a unique way to recognize our sports heroes," Boogaards told the committee.

Palm, who holds council’s parks and recreation portfolio, said a sports hall of fame is something he has wanted to see for some time.

“This is something that's long overdue,” said Palm. “It's been 20 years since there's been recognition of sporting figures in our community. There is a lot of community support for this.”

Councillor and arts portfolio holder CaroleAnn Leishman told the committee that the sports hall of fame’s potential location is currently occupied by Powell River Festival of Performing Arts’ custom-built display case, which is paid for by that organization’s own funds.

“A big discussion needs to happen if we're talking about relocating that display,” said Leishman.

Boogaards said the city will engage with the arts community to find a solution.

“We all know there's a lot of space up there,” he said.

Boogaards explained that the display would also provide a wall of fame for Powell River youth between the ages of 14 to 24 as a means to recognize accomplishments of the region’s young athletes in provincial and national competitions.

Boogaards added that the sports hall of fame would also highlight contributions of coaches and other volunteers who have gone out of their way to build the sports community.