An opportunity to honour legacies and achievements of local sporting greats is one step closer to reality. A committee for Powell River Sports Hall of Fame was recently appointed and its members are asking for input from the public on who the first inductees should be.
Community involvement is vital to the program’s success, according to city councillor and committee chair Jim Palm.
“We really want the public to get involved in this,” he said. “The committee is looking forward to seeing the number of applications that come forward. We know there are going to be surprises.”
Nomination forms will be posted on local websites, including City of Powell River, Powell River Regional District and Powell River parks, recreation and culture department. Forms will also be made available at city hall, Powell River Recreation Complex, Taws and at the Peak. Nominations will be accepted until September 28, 2018.
The first group of inductees will be honoured at a banquet and community event planned for June 15, 2019.
“We are hoping this inaugural installation will recognize no more than 10 to 12 individuals, teams, pioneers or builders. Those are the four categories that will be eligible for selection to the Sports Hall of Fame,” said Palm.
The hall will be housed in Powell River Recreation Complex. Palm said the committee has asked community volunteer John Spick to do some design work for the upper foyer and entrance to Hap Parker Arena.
The intention of the Powell River Sports Hall of Fame is to celebrate great achievements of those who have represented Powell River nationally and on the international stage, something Palm said has been lacking in the community.
“What’s kind of unique about Powell River is we have a habit of recognizing people from outside and we do not do a good job of recognizing people who were born and raised here and accomplished great things, for whatever reason,” said Palm. “However, it’s imperative to hold onto your history and your legacy and honour those people who put Powell River on the map on the sporting front. They are just as much ambassadors as any politician or civic official.”
