Sports Hall of Fame

Jacqueline’s Moment in Sport:

My moment in sport represents both the struggle and reward of competing in badminton as a Canadian athlete. Ten years ago, I picked up a racquet for the first time at the Rouge Woods Community Centre in Richmond Hill. In 2016, I was granted the opportunity to compete in my first ever Pan American Junior Championships in Lima, Peru. I was excited to be representing Canada at the international level. Unfortunately, I lost in the first round and thought I wasn’t cut out for the sport. But instead of quitting, I continued to train harder than ever before.
Two years later, I competed at the 2018 Pan American Junior Championships in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil and won in all three events (singles, doubles, mixed). It definitely wasn’t an easy journey, so making it to the semi-finals at the Canada Open and having my picture captured means a lot to me because it took a lot to be able to compete and thrive on the international stage. Badminton has made such a profound impact on my life by teaching me life lessons I will always keep close and continue to learn from.

Ezekiel's Moment in Sport:

Poem written by Ezekiel:

Special Olympics athlete
Pandemic cannot restrain
Own his story
Raise the bar
Top Personal Bests
Show God’s glory

Ezekiel Liu loves speed skating, swimming and athletics. During the pandemic when sports programs were closed, he continued training at home and in the neighbourhood.
In this picture taken at an outdoor track in Richmond Hill, Ezekiel runs against the wind, learning the power of perseverance. He turned 16 during the pandemic and partnered with Autism Ontario York Region to send out Fitness Kits to inspire autistic young people to stay active. Emerging from the pandemic, Ezekiel qualified for a second time with Team Ontario for the Special Olympics Speed Skating competition. He also made it to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Track and Field Finals for the first time. Through sports, Ezekiel learned to be focused and determined, and about grit and independence. As a young adult with special needs, sports has been and continues to be huge in Ezekiel’s life.

2019 Induction Ceremony

Congratulations to the 2019 inductees! 

• Blaine Angus, hockey referee
• Bill Armstrong, hockey
• Josh Binstock, beach volleyball
• Tommy Griffiths, football
• Ed Santi, builder, hockey 

Learn about Richmond Hill Sports Awards.

2017 Induction Ceremony

Congratulations to the 2017 inductees! Here are the photos from the ceremony held on October 5, 2017. 

2016 Induction Ceremony

Congratulations to the 2016 inductees! Here are the photos from the ceremony held on October 6, 2016.

The Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame is led by a committee of community volunteers, with staff support from the Recreation and Culture Division.  

Chair: Carmen James

Vice Chair: Scott Passmore

Treasurer: TBD

Secretary: Vanessa Ley

Committee Members: Howard Binstock, Adam Grachnik, Ed Hoogenboom, Vanessa Ley, Ed Sackfield

Staff: Robin Taylor-Smith

Do you want to get involved in the Sports Hall of Fame? We are looking for additional members. For more information, please contact us at 905-884-1368 ext.7572 or email sportshall@richmondhill.ca.

We are looking for donations of items your organization can donate to us so we can showcase the memorabilia and artifacts from each and every sports organization in Richmond Hill.

Suggested items for donation:

• Baseball glove, ball, bat, base
• Figure skates, outfit
• Soccer ball
• Tennis racquet, ball, net 
• Hockey stick, puck, gloves, helmet
• Sailing gear
• Badminton racquet, birdie
• Bowling ball, pins
• Curling rock
• Lawn Bowling ball
• Swimming cap, lane markers
• Canoe, lifejacket, oars
• Gymnastics equipment
• Ringette Stick, ring
• Squash racquet, ball
• Track and Field items

We thank you for your generosity! We will receive, safeguard and respectfully honour and display these artifacts. 

We would also gladly accept crests, jerseys, medals, photos and referee gear.

To donate items, please call 905-884-1368 ext. 7572 or email. We look forward to showcasing your organization in our displays!

The support of these organizations make the events and activities of the Sports Hall of Fame possible.

Presenting Sponsor: 

• Joseph Kreiner Real Estate Inc.

Awards Sponsor

• Richmond Hill Hockey Association

Print Sponsor:

• Creative Path

Champion Sponsors:

• Mister Bee Farms Inc.
• York Region Skating Academy

Community Sponsors:

• Dalton Pharma Services
• exp.
• The Gardener, Richmond Hill
• Mister Transmission
• RBC Bank Tony Caranci
• Richmond Training Centre
• Sue's Fresh Market

Friends of the Sports Hall of Fame

• Active Green + Ross
• Barry's Quality Care Automotive
• Bristol Car and Truck Rentals
• Efinka Catering with Elegance
• Investors Group - Sergui Hirtescu
• Dr. Jozwik Optometrist
• Petro Canada Oak Ridges
• Yun-Xu Long, Artist

Sports Hall of Fame Past Events

International Midget Hockey Tournament Reunion and Sports Hall of Fame Open House

Thank you to everyone who attended the event on Sunday, August 26, 2018. On behalf of the Sports Hall of Fame Committee, we hope you enjoyed the afternoon of celebrating and sharing memories of the successful tournament that ran for over 30 years in Richmond Hill.

It's in the news! Article and photos by Steve Sommerville, York Region Media Group.

Pre-event article by John Cudmore, York Region Media Group.

Stay tuned for future Sports Hall of Fame activities and events.