Nominations for sports wall close April 1

Recognizing local sports achievements and contributions

By Mark Schadenberg

The Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame is once again inviting audience participation.

The Woodstock Recreation Advisory Committee (WRAC) is accepted nomination up to April 1 from the public. There is a formal nomination form on the city‘s website (www.city.woodstock.on.ca found under ‘boards and committees’ and then recreation advisory.), but a letter and photo of your nominee will suffice.

The sports wall of fame began in 1996 as part of the grand opening of the Southwood Arena at the Woodstock District Community Complex. Since then, athletes, teams and builders of sport locally have been recognized in diving and swimming, lawn bowling, 5-pin bowling, baseball, badminton, basketball, football, figure skating, golf, horse racing, hockey, soccer, gymnastics and wrestling.

“That’s only the beginning of the list,” notes long-time WRAC member Dan Gray. “Woodstock has a great history in sports accomplishments and many many people who donated hundreds of hours as volunteers to help create the great sports community we have today, including coaches and founders.”

Last Saturday in October

The sports wall induction for 2013 is slated for Oct. 26 at Goff Hall.

The WRAC will consider nominations under six categories – female athlete, male athlete, team, builder of sport, historic (Dating back more than 40 years), and lifetime achievement. In the team and athlete categories the main criteria can be described as a provincial championship or competing at the highest level possible in their respect sport.

“There are many athletes from Woodstock who have yet to receive due recognition for their accomplishments,” says Dan Molinaro of the WRAC. “Please consider nominating a deserving individual athlete or team for this year's wall of fame ceremony.”

WRAC member Don Fulkerson says you can draw a parallel to the display of plaques at the complex to the local history depicted at the Woodstock Museum.

“Recognizing our athletes for their passion and commitment conveys a sense of pride in our community,” added Fulkerson.

In submitting a nomination, it is possible to suggest some be honoured for lifetime achievement – perhaps someone who has already been inducted in another category.

Mark Schadenberg is chair of WRAC, which is a group of 10 civic-minded volunteers – a committee appointed by City Council.