Beyond the Podium: Canada’s Sporting Heroes Take Centre Stage at the 69th Order of Sport Awards 

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame hosted its 69th Annual Order of Sport Awards at the Canadian Museum of History, honouring seven extraordinary Canadians whose contributions to sport have shaped the nation’s identity. The event celebrated not just athletic excellence, but the power of sport to unite, inspire, and drive social change.

Founded in 1955, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is the country’s oldest national sports museum and hall of fame. Its mission is to preserve and share the stories of athletes and builders who have used sport to elevate communities, foster inclusion, and strengthen Canada’s cultural fabric. The Order of Sport, introduced in 2019, is Canada’s highest sporting honour, awarded to individuals whose legacies extend far beyond competition.

The evening was hosted by Waneek Horn-Miller, a Mohawk Olympian from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. Horn-Miller, who made history as co-captain of Canada’s women’s water polo team at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, brought authenticity and heart to the ceremony. Her advocacy for Indigenous youth and reconciliation through sport has made her a powerful voice in Canadian sport leadership.

Class of 2025: Champions of Legacy and Leadership

Christine Sinclair (Soccer) – Canada’s all-time leading goal scorer and a global icon in women’s soccer, Sinclair was honoured for her advocacy for gender equity and youth empowerment. “I never set out to break records,” she said. “I just wanted to play the game I love and make space for others.”

Erik Guay (Alpine Skiing) – A two-time World Championship medalist and one of Canada’s most decorated alpine skiers, Guay was recognized for his mentorship of young athletes. “Sport gave me a voice,” he said. “Now I use it to help others find theirs.”

Kevin Martin (Curling) – A four-time Brier champion and Olympic gold medalist, Martin has elevated curling through coaching and broadcasting. “Curling taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience,” he shared.

Michelle Stilwell (Para-Athletics) – A six-time Paralympic gold medalist and former MLA in British Columbia, Stilwell’s dual legacy in sport and public service highlights the power of perseverance. “Barriers are meant to be broken,” she said. “Sport showed me how.”

Darren Zack (Softball) – A dominant force in international men’s fastpitch softball, Zack was celebrated for his outreach to Indigenous youth. “Sport saved me,” he said. “Now I use it to help others find their way.”

Martha Billes (Builder – Sport Administration) – As the visionary behind Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program, Billes has helped over 4 million children access sport. “Every child deserves the chance to play,” she said.

Ted Nolan (Builder – Hockey Leadership) – Former NHL coach and advocate for Indigenous youth, Nolan was honoured for his leadership in sport and his commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. “I’ve always believed sport is a way to build bridges,” he said. “It gave me a path—and I want others to find theirs.”

Following the formal presentation of awards, the seven inductees returned to the stage for a powerful segment titled Conversations with Scott Russell and the Class of 2025. In this intimate and engaging dialogue, veteran sports journalist Scott Russell explored the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of each honouree—revealing how sport shaped their lives and how they, in turn, have shaped sport in Canada.

A Historic Investment in Canada’s Sporting Future

In a landmark announcement during the ceremony, The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport),  announced a $10 million federal investment over 10 years, beginning in 2025–26, to support Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. The funding will secure the future of public programming—including the Order of Sport Awards—and ensure that Canadians from all backgrounds can access and be inspired by the nation’s rich sporting history. Van Koeverden said, “With this historic investment, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame can continue preserving our country’s impressive sports history, sharing stories, honouring champions, and inspiring generations.” He added that,  “sport has a unique way of bringing us together, teaching us important lessons, and helping us celebrate the people who’ve helped shape Canada—both in competition and behind the scenes.”

Leadership Behind the Legacy

The continued success of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame—and the landmark federal funding announced this week—is the culmination of years of strategic leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy by Cheryl Bernard, President and CEO. A former Olympic silver medalist in curling (Vancouver 2010), Bernard has seamlessly translated the precision, resilience, and team-first mindset that defined her athletic career into her executive role. Under her guidance, the Hall has expanded its national reach, strengthened its programming, and deepened its commitment to preserving and sharing Canada’s sporting legacy. Bernard’s work has been championed by a distinguished Board of Governors, including Robert Rooney (Chair), Geoff Beattie, Mark Smith, Marnie McBean, Susan Anderson, and other respected leaders from the worlds of sport, business, education, and philanthropy. Together, they have helped shape a future where Canada’s sporting history is not only preserved but also made accessible and meaningful to all.

Bernard welcomed the funding announcement, crediting her team and the Board of Governors for their collective efforts and noted that, “with the government’s continued support, we can safeguard this rich heritage, broaden access to our inspiring stories, and motivate all Canadians to see themselves as part of our shared sporting journey.”  

In keeping with the spirit of honour, values and remembrance that defines both the athletes and the institution, the evening’s event booklet included a heartfelt tribute to five Hall of Famers who passed away in 2025: Robert Paul, Jerome Drayton, Dr. Ron Taylor, Ron Turcotte, and Ken Dryden. Their legacies were acknowledged with deep respect, and condolences were extended to their families.

From its emotional tributes to its visionary announcements, the 69th Annual Order of Sport Awards was Olympic in both form and substance—an evening that celebrated not just the triumphs of sport, but its enduring power to shape a nation. It was a reflection of Canada itself: diverse, resilient, and united by a shared belief in the transformative potential of sport. Through the stories of its champions, the event reaffirmed how sport continues to define Canada’s identity, connect its communities, and inspire future generations from coast to coast to coast.

Header image: Host Waneek Horn-Miller addresses the audience at the 69th Annual Order of Sport Awards, held Wednesday, October 29, at the Canadian Museum of History.