RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill is proud to announce the seven athletes and sports builders (behind-the-scenes contributors to sports) who will be inducted into the Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame this year: Nathalie Bendavid (rugby), Bob Emerson (figure skating), Michael Kyte and Doreen Kyte (5 pin bowling), Rene Fournier (hockey), Vanessa Ley (hockey), Ted Moritsugu (ringette) and Jean McCron (lawn bowling).

“For almost two decades, Richmond Hill has been honouring those whose sports achievements have a lasting impact on the town,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “The Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame recognizes the value of sport and the role it plays in building a vibrant community.”

The Sports Hall of Fame currently has 32 inductees such as Olympic figure skater Elvis Stojko and NHL alumnus Bob Wall. Each of the inductees has contributed to the development and advancement of sports in Richmond Hill.

“Congratulations to the seven new inductees!” said Anthony Marcovitz, Chair of Sports Hall Fame Committee. “We are proud of our athletes’ achievements and the tireless, behind-the-scenes efforts of sports builders who dedicate their time to organizing games and training schedules, coaching and more.”

The Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame was first established in 1997 in Council Chambers at the former Town Hall (10266 Yonge Street). Today, the Sports Hall of Fame is located at the Elgin Barrow Arena which has a strong tie to local sports history. It was named after 2006 Sports Hall of Fame inductee and lifetime Richmond Hill resident Elgin Barrow, founding member and former Director of the Minor Hockey Association.

The Richmond Hill athletes and sports builders will be honoured at the 2015 Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, October 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets ($20 per person) are for sale to the public at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office at rhcentre.ca or at 905-787-8811.

“We hope that sports lovers and residents will purchase tickets to celebrate the achievements of our local athletes and sports builders at this special induction ceremony, taking place at our very own theatre,” said Mayor Barrow.

The public can visit the Sports Hall of Fame year-round. Share your Sports Hall of Fame sports memories on Twitter using #SportsHallRH! For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/SportsHall.

Backgrounder: Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame Welcomes Seven Inductees

Nathalie Bendavid
Born and raised in Richmond Hill, Ms. Bendavid played many different sports at a young age and eventually found her love for rugby. A successful athlete, she has represented Team Ontario and Team Canada in international competitions around the world. Ms. Bendavid was chosen to carry the Pan Am flame in Richmond Hill from the entries for the Town of Richmond Hill’s Torchbearer Selfie Contest.

Rene Fournier
For over 30 years, Mr. Fournier was involved in providing and developing hockey and officiating programs for the community and was one of those unsung people that helped mentor and develop a whole generation of officials. Mr. Fournier will be inducted as a builder.

Vanessa Ley
Ms. Ley is an elite hockey referee who has officiated at numerous provincial and national championships will be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. She has also officiated at the local, provincial, collegiate, national and professional level (including the Canadian Women’s Hockey League - considered the highest level of women’s hockey in the world).

Ted Moritsugu
Throughout the 1980s, Mr. Moritsugu was instrumental in the introduction and growth of the sport of ringette in Richmond Hill and the development of the Richmond Hill Ringette Association. For his contribution to the sport, Mr. Moritsugu will be inducted as a builder.

Bob Emerson
Mr. Emerson, Director of the Richmond Hill Training Centre, is coach to multiple Canadian, Olympic and World champions and founder and Junior Figure Skating Canadian Champion (1967). Through coaching, mentoring and building an elite figure skating program in Richmond Hill, Mr. Emerson has helped develop some of the world’s best figure skaters.

Jean McCron
Ms. McCron has won 24 District Championships, 3 Provincial Championships in 1992, 2002 and 2013 and a National Championship in 2003 in lawn bowling. Through administration, officiating, and coaching, she also has had a tremendous impact on the growth and development of the sport in the community.

Michael and Doreen Kyte
Mr. and Mrs. Kyte’s combined accomplishments and dedication have been an integral part to the development and growth of 5 pin bowling in Richmond Hill. For more than 40 years, Mr. Kyte has coached numerous teams (including a 1981 Provincial Championship) and held numerous administrative positions (including Program Director for the Youth Bowling Council and Tournament Director and Zone President for the York Simcoe 5 Pin Bowling Association). Mrs. Kyte began coaching in 1979 and has contributed much to the York Simcoe 5 Pin Bowling Association since 1976 including overseeing Membership and Average Books, and has served as Lottery Chair and Tournament Director.