Tuesday, 22nd January 2019
(Red Deer, Alberta) - Earlier today, Athletes Jennifer Heil, Cindy Klassen and Bruny Surin, along with Builder Clare Drake and Distinguished Alumna Dr. Elizabeth Cannon were announced as the Canada Games Hall of Honour Class of 2019.
“The Canada Games Hall of Honor recognizes, honours and celebrates exceptional Canada Games alumni and individuals who have, in their own ways, made outstanding contributions to the development and advancement of the Canada Games," expressed Chair of the Hall of Honor committee and member of the Canada Games Council board of directors, Lynn Blouin. “Being able to do so within such a prestigious event held before the Canada Games in Red Deer will surely shed more light on the deserving honorees of this Class of 2019.”
“We are pleased to help the Canada Games Council induct these incredible Canada Games alumni who have made a positive contribution to the Canada Games movement across the nation,” said 2019 Canada Games Board Chair Lyn Radford. “We look forward to celebrating these individuals at the official Hall of Honour Celebration Dinner on February 14, 2019, and we encourage central Albertans to join us at this unique celebration of sport by contacting the Games office to purchase a ticket.”
Induction into the Canada Games Hall of Honour occurs every two years during each Canada Games. The Hall of Honour recognizes, honours and celebrates exceptional Canada Games alumni who have distinguished themselves as athletes, coaches, officials or administrators, or persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the development and advancement of the Canada Games property.
“My participation in the Canada Games in Newfoundland and Labrador at 15 years old was a highlight of my ski career. It was an opportunity to celebrate the power of sport, to be embraced by a community far from my own, and to challenge myself to perform on demand. I am incredibly honored to be inducted into the Canada Games Hall of Honour,” noted Jennifer Heil.
“The Canada Games provided me with invaluable learning opportunities that have helped me in both sport and life. I cherish my time at the Canada Games and this induction has given me the chance to reflect on those experiences. It is a proud moment to have my name placed among other Canadians who have contributed so much to our country,” said Cindy Klassen.
“I would like to thank the Canada Games organization for honouring my career. Thirty years ago while I was participating at the Games, I had big dreams to become an Olympian and the fastest man on earth. I could say that those Games were a stepping stone for my career. Amidst the pressures, the judgments and the sacrifices that I made in my life, on August 22, 1999, I ran faster than I ever imagined and became the second fastest human of all time,” remarked Olympian Bruny Surin.
"Dad would be very proud to be included in the Canada Games Hall of Honour. He was passionate about sport and its impact on personal development and would be delighted to be
recognized as a small part of the Canada Games legacy celebrating our finest amateur athletes," commented Jami Drake on behalf of the late Clare Drake.
“I am honoured to be inducted into the Hall of Honour as competing in the Canada Games was a highlight of my swimming career. The opportunity to represent my home province of PEI, see our great country and compete with highly talented and motivated athletes, left an indelible mark on both my personal life and professional career,” said Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, the inaugural inductee in the Distinguished Alumni category, recognizing outstanding accomplishment in fields outside of sport.
The induction ceremony takes place on February 14, 2019, during the Hall of Honour Celebration Dinner in Red Deer as part of the celebrations for the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer taking place from February 15 until March 3, 2019. In addition to the inductees, the Hall of Honour Celebration Dinner features special guests Cari and Ron MacLean, 2019 Canada Winter Games Honorary Co-Chairs, and Olympian Catriona Le May Doan. Tickets for the Hall of Honour Dinner, are available by contacting 403.309.8419.
