The people the fans will never forget
Sienna Bilancia – Brantford’s very own sports hall of fame. The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is home to the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition. There are athletes inducted into the hall from all different types of sports.
It was initially created by the Gretzky family to honour and recognize Wayne Gretzky but has since been expanded.
What once started as a temporary exhibit in the cafeteria of the Centre, in 1984, has now become a popular spot for the public to take photos and learn about Brantford’s athletic history.
In 1990, the Hall became a permanent fixture in the Centre after the Alumni Association began a fundraising campaign.
The official Sports Hall opened on May 16th, 1991.
“In 2013, on the entire Gretsky Centre was undergoing a massive renovation, the sports hall Executive Committee along with the city of Branford, underwent a huge fundraising campaign, and raised over $800,000 to build the sports hall that we see today, which has its grand opening in 2014,” Mike Mansfield, Sport Tourism Coordinator said.
There are photos and information about each inductee. Jerseys and memorabilia are hung and displayed from select athletes as well as interactive displays. A way to learn and read about all inductees, their photographs and biographies.
“Brant County, Nick Kazard, he’s inducted into the Sports Hall. He played in the 2008 Super Bowl with the Patriots. His jersey is on display there…we just had Mike Filer, who is from Brantford, played for the Hamilton Tiger Cats, for I believe, 10 years” said, Mike Mansfield, Sport Tourism Coordinator.
The Wayne Gretsky Sports Centre is a large aspect of the Brantford community and having the Sports hall of fame within the same building helps bring recognition to those in the Brantford community who have accomplished greatness in the world of athleticism.
Athleticism is not strictly conformed to sports only. There is a wide variety of talent on display in the Hall of Recognition.
“There’s something for everyone. There are the stilts from Doug, the Great, who has a world record for highest stilts in the most consecutive steps. Those stilts are on display hanging from the ceiling right outside the sports hall as well with the Guinness World Booker Records on display, that’s something cool people might want to check out as well,” Mansfield said.
The Hall inducts new athletes every year. Someone you know may very well be the next inductee into Brantford’s Sports Hall of Recognition.
Photo contributors: Sienna Bilancia
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