Toronto Sport Hall of Honour Celebrates New Inductees

Toronto – The City of Toronto celebrated its seventh annual Toronto Sport Hall of Honour induction ceremony last month at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. The event, attended by Mayor Olivia Chow, paid tribute to 18 new inductees for their outstanding achievements and contributions to sports in the city.

The Toronto Sport Hall of Honour, established as part of the legacy of the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, recognizes exceptional individuals and organizations that have brought acclaim to Toronto through their dedication to sports. The Hall, located at the Pan Am Sports Centre, honors achievements in various categories, including Athlete of the Year, Builder, and Spirit of Sport Diversity and Inclusion.

Among this year’s honorees were:

• Athlete of the Year (Female): Fay De Fazio Ebert, celebrated for her gold medal in park skateboarding at the 2023 Pan Am Games.
• Athlete of the Year (Male): Shady El Nahas, awarded for his gold medal in judo at the same games.
• Para-Athlete of the Year (Female): Sheriauna Haase, a bronze medalist in the 100m and 200m at the 2023 ParaPan Am Games.
• Para-Athlete of the Year (Male): Jesse Zesseu, recognized for his achievements in the T37 long jump and F37 discus throw.
• Special Olympics Athlete of the Year: Franck Koffi, a notable basketball player.
• Builder: Andy Higgins, founder of the Coaches Association of Ontario.
• City of Sport Lifetime Achievement: Paulette and Ken Ormsby, and Doug Hamilton, for their enduring contributions to their respective sports.
• Coach of the Year: Ryan Dinwiddie, Head Coach of the Toronto Argonauts.
• Community Sport Volunteers: Vicki Keith, a swimmer and coach, and Stephen Bialowas, a wheelchair basketball coach.
• Corporate Builders: Variety Village and Nike Canada.
• City of Sport Medal of Distinction: Robert Singleton, Managing Director of the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre.
• Spirit of Sport: Diversity and Inclusion: Kirk Brooks, for his work with young athletes of colour and barrier-free hockey training.
• Sport Legend: Michael Clemons, former CFL player and philanthropist.
• Team of the Year: Seneca Sting women’s varsity soccer.

Mayor Olivia Chow, along with City Manager Paul Johnson and Howie Dayton, General Manager of Parks, Forestry & Recreation, praised the inductees for their exceptional contributions to the sports community.

“Last night we celebrated the remarkable achievements of 18 new inductees. These individuals and organizations embody the spirit of excellence that makes Toronto a city of champions. Congratulations to all for inspiring us through their exceptional contributions to sport,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.

For more information about the Toronto Sport Hall of Honour and to view inductee biographies and photographs, visit www.toronto.ca/tshh.