The Nanaimo Museum is calling out for nominations for the 2023 induction class of the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

class of 2023

Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame returns, keen to celebrate ‘outstanding’ individuals & teams

Oct 31, 2023 | 1:34 PM

NANAIMO — Following multiple years in the dark, organizers are ready to once again celebrate the achievements and legacy of those in the local sporting community.

Calls for nominations are out for the 2024 class of the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating the best of the best in local sporting achievement and their impact on the athletic community.

Becka MacDonald with the Nanaimo Museum told NanaimoNewsNOW the event was postponed several times during the pandemic, so excitement is high for the return of another induction cycle.

“What we’re looking for is nominations from the community. They can be in any of five different categories: athlete, builder, trailblazer, team and media. We’re looking for any nomination of someone you think is outstanding in their sport or supporting sports in the community in general.”

A display for Paralympian Michelle Stilwell, recognizing her achievements across multiple games as a wheelchair basketball, as well as a track and field athlete. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Nominations can be made online through the Nanaimo Museum website, with the final list of inductees announced alongside the annual Nanaimo Sport Achievement Awards in late February 2024.

Those entered into the Hall of Fame will have their name enshrined on an ever-growing display at the Nanaimo Museum.

The wide array of categories is designed to capture anyone who has either competed or significantly contributed to local sport.

“Anyone who coaches, we’ve got media people in, anyone who has a really strong commitment and focus on sports, and they have to have a substantial connection to Nanaimo as well,” MacDonald said. “We’re also looking for people who are outstanding in their particular sports as well, and also teams.”

Displays are setup for a number of local athletes and teams inside the Nanaimo Museum gift shop. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame began in 2008 and those already inducted include downhill mountain biker Steve Smith, Paralympian Michelle Stilwell, Frank Crane, Larry McNabb, and multiple teams such as the 1923 Nanaimo FC Wanderers, the 1956 IWA Nanaimo Timbermen, and the 2009 VI Raiders.

MacDonald said most years only four names or teams have been called to the Hall.

“We’ve found there’s an amazing sporting community in Nanaimo and it’s really quite amazing the level of talent that is out there and we really want to recognize that.”

In order to nominate someone, MacDonald said a nominee would need to provide a full history and background on the individual or team, along with supporting materials such as photos, media coverage or other information.

Contact information and, ideally, permission from the nominee also help.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Dec. 15.

Inductees receive a plaque on the wall of the museum. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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