We can all list the names of pop-culture icons who hail from Ottawa, but did you know that the national capital has produced many talented athletes, too? The Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame recognizes all the remarkable athletic talent in our city and those with organizational and coaching prowess.
After several years of cancelled or virtual ceremonies, the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame is happy to be back hosting an in-person induction ceremony on Wednesday, September 27th, at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building.
Five new inductees will be added to Ottawa’s Hall of athletic greatness. Each has had an incredible career as an athlete while continuing to be a mover from behind the scenes or on the sidelines. Two will be inducted for their athletic ability, and three for their work as builders in sports.
Dave Best, chair of the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame, said, “We’re especially pleased to welcome this group of five local sport legends to the Hall – each contributing tremendously to their sport.”
The induction ceremony will take place on September 27th, with tables and individual tickets available. In the lead-up to the banquet, full-length features on each inductee will be posted on the Hall’s new website, OttawaSportHall.ca. Individual tickets are $125. Get yours today by visiting this Eventbrite link.
Here is an overview of the inductee:
Chenard, who won six World Cup medals in short-track speed skating and a world record in the 3000-metre relay, is being awarded a builder for her post-medal-winning career in sport. Off the ice, Chenard went on to become an international-renowned soccer referee, calling two FIFA World Cups and the 2016 Rio Olympic final between Sweden and Germany. Chenard was forced to hang up her whistle for the 2019 Women’s World Cup while she battled cancer but returned to officiating in 2023.
Costello played four seasons in the NHL during the 1950s but is known for using his legal education from the University of Ottawa to set high standards in the amateur hockey association, including background checks for minor leagues, spearheading the growth of women’s hockey and Taking action against bullying hockey. Already a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame, Costello now joins his hometown Hall of Fame.
One of the greatest coaches in the history of curling, Ear Morris, is being inducted as a builder. Morris led Canada’s top curlers to national and world titles, including Rachel Homan, Jennifer Jones and his own son John. He also helped create the adult learn-to-curl program to get more people into the sport and advocate for accessible curling for all.
The Hall of Fame is inducting Jill Perry for her athletic ability. Perry took up boxing at 28 and became Canada’s oldest national champion at 39 — a remarkable way to top off a career of 57 fights. Perry coaches boxing and is president of Beaver Boxing in Ottawa.
Tim Higgins started his hockey career locally with the Ottawa 67’s and played 11 seasons in the NHL. With over 700 games under his belt and 350 points with the Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, and Detroit Red Wings, Higgins is being inducted for his athletic ability.
Don’t miss the opportunity to rub elbows with some of Ottawa’s greatest athletic talent and see them get inducted into the national capital’s Sport Hall of Fame!
For more information, visit OttawaSportHall.ca.
