It has been three years since the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame has held an induction ceremony, yet another victim of COVID-19.
However, that changes this Saturday, September 10 when the doors to the local shrine at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre swing open to welcome seven new inductees. That is the largest number of newcomers since the Hall’s inaugural induction in 1988.
There is a school flavour to this year’s ceremony as four of the seven began their sports careers in high school.
Three time Centennial Secondary School Athlete of the Year Barb Snedden Wood, Moira Secondary School basketball star Paula Lockyer, Centennial Secondary football and track and field standout Pat Tracey Jr. and Centre Hastings legendary multi-sport coach Rob Cooke take their rightful place in the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame.
They will be joined by local girls’ hockey pioneer Judi Gilbert, Stanley Cup winner Matt Cooke and national women’s dart champion Kim Whaley Hilts.
Their achievements will be documented in greater detail later this week.
Saturday’s ceremony will include the presentation of the McDonald’s High School male and female Athletes of the Year, Mason Duvall of Centennial Secondary School and Talia Vreugdenhil from Quinte Christian High School.
The 25th Belleville Sports Hall of Fame ceremony takes place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the All Purpose Room next to the Dr. R.L. Vaughan Atrium located on the second floor above the east entrance to the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre.