Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Unveils Its 2026 Order of Sport Honourees

Canada’s sports story has never belonged to athletes alone. It has always been shaped by the people who built the rinks and fields, who coached in community centres, who pushed for inclusion, who fought for recognition, and who believed that sport could be a force for something larger than competition. That broader story is at the heart of the 2026 Order of Sport Awards, a Legacy Edition celebration announced this week by Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

The event, presented by Everest Funeral Concierge, will take place on November 4, 2026, at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau. It marks a milestone moment for the institution, which has spent seventy years honouring the athletes, builders, and trailblazers who have shaped the country’s sporting identity.

This year’s Legacy Edition expands that lens. It recognizes not only the individuals who changed their sports, but also the families, organizations, and community leaders whose influence has strengthened the foundation of Canadian sport for generations.

Cheryl Bernard, President and CEO of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, describes the Legacy Edition as a chance to acknowledge the full ecosystem that makes sport matter. “The 2026 honourees represent the very best of who we are,” she said. “They are the people behind the moments that brought us together, and whose character continues to inspire what comes next.”

The 2026 Trailblazers

The Class of 2026 Trailblazers reflects a cross‑section of Canadian sport at its most transformative. Each honouree changed the landscape of their field and opened doors for those who followed.

Chief Dr. Wilton Littlechild
A respected Indigenous athlete, lawyer, and advocate, Littlechild has spent decades advancing Indigenous representation and equity in sport systems in Canada and internationally. His work has helped reshape how sport organizations understand inclusion, access, and cultural respect.

The 1990 Canadian Women’s Ice Hockey Team
Their victory at the inaugural IIHF Women’s World Championship was more than a championship win. It established the credibility of women’s hockey on the world stage and accelerated the sport’s path to Olympic inclusion. Their success helped secure sustained national investment and inspired a generation of players who would go on to define the sport.

Jay Triano
Triano’s influence on Canadian basketball spans decades. As a national team captain, coach, and the first Canadian head coach in the NBA, he helped elevate the sport’s profile at a time when basketball was still fighting for national attention. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the surge of Canadian talent now seen across the NBA.

A New Honour for Community Builders

This year introduces the Community Champion Award, presented by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. The inaugural recipient, Tim Adams, is being recognized for his work creating opportunities for young people to play, belong, and thrive. Adams represents the thousands of coaches, volunteers, and organizers whose efforts often go unseen but whose impact is felt across entire communities.

Legacy Honourees Beyond the Induction Class

The Legacy Edition also acknowledges leaders whose influence extends beyond personal achievement. These honourees are not being formally inducted but are recognized for their vision and long‑term contributions to Canadian sport.

Legacy Visionary: Larry Tanenbaum
 A transformational figure in professional sport in Canada, Tanenbaum has played a central role in shaping the modern landscape of major league sport in this country.

Legacy Family: The Southern Family
Founders of Spruce Meadows, the Southerns built one of the world’s premier equestrian venues and helped elevate Canada’s presence in international show jumping.

Sport for Good: Canada Games Council and Special Olympics Canada
Both organizations have expanded access to sport and strengthened their role in community building, youth development, and national identity.

A National Celebration of Sport’s Broader Purpose

The 70th Order of Sport Awards will bring together leaders from sport, business, government, and community organizations. Porter Airlines will serve as the Official Airline, helping bring Canadians together for the celebration. The event is supported in part by the Government of Canada’s Museum Assistance Program.

For Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Legacy Edition is more than a ceremony. It is a reminder of why sport matters in this country. It is a recognition that the values learned on the field and in the gym ripple outward into communities, shaping character, opportunity, and national identity.

The 2026 honourees reflect that full story. They are athletes who broke barriers, families who built institutions, organizations that expanded access, and community leaders who ensured that every child had a place to play. Together, they represent the past, present, and future of Canadian sport, and the enduring belief that sport can be a force for good.