Ten more of Richmond’s outstanding individuals in the world of sport will be inducted to the city’s Sports Wall of Fame later this month.
The 2018 induction class includes the likes of: Ian Anderson, a long-time boys high school football coach; Les Hamaguchi, 39 years of coaching high school girls basketball and winning two provincial championships; Moseley Jack, 40 years and counting of coaching with Kajaks Track & Field Club and Doug Staveley, a long-time boys high school football and basketball coach.
Also included among the inductees will be NHL referee Kelly Sutherland, who started his officiating career with Richmond Minor Hockey.
While the special achievement inductee will be Dr. Jack Taunton, who has, for 40 years, practiced sport medicine and volunteered.
Others inductees are:
Athletes:
Ron Putzi – two-time provincial champion with the Richmond Colts and former Canadian national team player;
Masters athlete: Chim-Hing Stephanie Chan – four-time Parapan American Games Medalist winning gold in 2015;
Builder:
Archie Blair – Decades of contributions to many sports in Richmond and instrumental in the development of lacrosse from the grassroots;
Coaches:
Amarjit “AJ” Sander – eight consecutive Midget A Female Provincial Final appearances, winning four provincial championships.
“Richmond has a rich sporting history, dating back to the early 19th century, with sports playing a pivotal part in shaping our community today" said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“To be named to the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame is an incredible distinction and we are proud to honour those who have made a tremendous impact in their sport and the community throughout their career.”
This will be the fourth addition of inductions into the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame, which was established in 2015.
The Wall of Fame is an opportunity to celebrate the history of sport in Richmond, and provides a hub for the community to recognize the outstanding achievements of all the inductees, and their contributions back to the community.
The 2018 inductions class will be joining an esteemed group of 43 individuals and teams that have previously been inducted into the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame.
The Wall of Fame comprises eight induction categories including: Pioneer, Builder, Coach, Official, Athlete, Masters Athlete, Team and Special Achievement.
The Richmond Sports Wall of Fame and accompanying digital kiosk are located at the Richmond Olympic Oval and are part of the Richmond Olympic Experience (ROX).
The Wall of Fame is located in the lobby on the first floor, and the digital kiosk is on the second floor as part of the History of Sport in Richmond Exhibit.
Each inductee will have their name added to the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame, and the digital kiosk highlights each inductee’s achievements through script, photos and videos. The Richmond Sports Wall of Fame and digital kiosk are free for public viewing year-round.
The Class of 2018 will be officially inducted into the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 during a ceremony held inside Council Chambers at Richmond City Hall. The induction ceremony is open to the public, but space is limited.
Members of the public are now being encouraged to submit nominations for 2019 inductees to the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame to honour individuals and teams who have played significant roles in building Richmond’s sports community and/or excelled at their sport. Nominations will be accepted up to Dec. 31, 2018.
The Richmond Sports Wall of Fame nomination form is posted on the City of Richmond website or Richmond.ca/WallofFame. Applications can be sent to SportsWallofFame@Richmond.ca.
