Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is set to induct a new class of athletes with its prestigious Order of Sport Award, a distinction recognizing individuals whose accomplishments in sport are deeply connected to their commitment to community impact. As Canada’s highest sporting honour, the award has been presented to only 750 individuals over its 70-year history.
This year, seven outstanding athletes will receive the award, acknowledged not only for their athletic excellence but for their dedication to making a difference in the lives of fellow Canadians. Canada Sports Hall of Fame CEO Cheryl Bernard praised the 2025 inductees, calling them “nothing short of extraordinary.” She added, “Their achievements and impact extend well beyond the field of play. Their stories of resilience, leadership, and lasting legacy will continue to unite and inspire Canadians for generations to come.”
The selection process sees nominations submitted from family, friends, coaches, and supporters across the country, ensuring that each inductee truly embodies the values of the Order of Sport Award.
ABOVE: Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame event Co-Chairs Ted Wagstaff and Jacqueline Belsito
Leading the Charge: Event Co-Chairs Jacqueline Belsito and Ted Wagstaff
This year’s event is guided by the leadership of co-chairs Jacqueline Belsito and Ted Wagstaff, two community-driven professionals committed to fostering sport’s impact in Canada.
Belsito, with more than 30 years of experience in marketing and fundraising, currently serves as the President of the Senators Community Foundation. Her work has focused on strengthening Ottawa’s local communities, a passion that fuels her commitment to this event.
Wagstaff has devoted over 35 years to business development, partnerships, and corporate sponsorships as President of North45 Advisory Services. His career has long been intertwined with both Ottawa and the sports world through collaborations with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and the PGA Tour.
Why Sport Matters: Perspectives from the Co-Chairs
For Belsito, the impact of sport goes beyond competition. “I’m honoured to serve as Co-Chair of the Order of Sport Awards because I deeply believe in the transformative power of sport,” she explained. “Sport builds stronger communities and brings people together to cheer for something greater than themselves. Its most lasting impact is on children and youth—teaching resilience, teamwork, and confidence. Sport offers an outlet for stress, a path to better health, and a sense of belonging that can change a young person’s life. Every child deserves the chance to experience these benefits, and that’s why I’m proud to champion this cause.”
Wagstaff shares a similar view, describing sport as a force that unites people. “Sport is a powerful force. It can inspire a young person to pursue a dream. It can fuel a healthier physical, mental, and emotional lifestyle. It can be the foundation around which communities are built. Indeed, it can galvanize an entire country—collectively standing still, waiting for the winning goal.”
He added, “That’s why I’m honoured to serve as Co-Chair of the 2025 Order of Sport Awards. This year’s recipients deserve our admiration not only for what they’ve achieved on the field or behind the bench but for how they’ve made our world a better place.”
Honouring the 2025 Inductees
The athletes selected for this year’s induction come from a wide range of sports, including alpine skiing and softball. Their contributions, both in competition and through their community involvement, exemplify the values that Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame seeks to uphold.
The 69th Annual Order of Sport Awards will be held on October 29, 2025, at the Canadian Museum of History, where the inductees will officially take their place among the legends of Canadian sport.
