Do you know of an outstanding athlete from Norfolk County who deserves to be inducted into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition? If so, there’s still time to submit nominations for the Class of 2024. The deadline for induction nominations is December 31, 2024.
Anyone who knows of a Norfolk County athlete who has consistently excelled at the highest levels of sport, a coach or builder who has left a lasting stamp on Norfolk’s sporting landscape, or a sports ambassador whose enthusiasm and commitment stands out above all others is welcome to submit a nomination package.
Nominations received by the December 31st deadline will be considered for the Sports Hall’s Class of 2024, and those selected by the nomination committee will be honoured at the Sports Hall’s next Induction Dinner, tentatively scheduled for 2026.
Nomination forms are available on the Sports Hall’s web site, https://www.norfolksports.ca/. Click on the “Nomination Process” tab for more information. Completed nomination forms, along with supporting material, can be dropped off at the Simcoe Recreation Centre to the attention of the Sports Hall, or mailed to the updated address indicated on the current nomination form.
The Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since its startup, the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition has inducted over 90 individuals from throughout the county, including hockey greats Leonard “Red” Kelly and Ron “Chico” Maki as well as numerous builders and coaches without whose efforts the Norfolk sports landscape would look very different.
If you’d like to learn more about the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition, check out the Sports Hall displays located in the pool viewing area of the Simcoe Recreation Centre. The “Hall” includes a permanent plaque wall as well as rotating displays featuring the most recent inductees.
Each year, Norfolk County and the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition team up to host the Parade of Champions. This event recognizes individuals and teams who have medaled (i.e. finished first, second, or third) at provincial, national, or international championships, as well as anyone who has received individual honours (such as Coach of the Year) from provincial, national, or international sports organizations.
What’s Changing? For the past few years, the Parade of Champions has been held at the Norfolk County Fair. This year, the Sports Hall Board has decided to try a different venue. This year’s Parade of Champions will take place at the Port Dover Community Centre on Sunday September 29th. The event will begin at 2 p.m.
Who is Eligible? The Parade of Champions will recognize:
Norfolk County individuals and teams who have medaled (i.e. finished first, second, or third) at provincial, national, or international championships. (In the case of sports that don’t have a provincial championship to go to, we also recognize those who finished first, second, or third at highest competitive level available; for example, CWOSSA, in the case where there is no OFSSA championship in that sport.)
Individuals from Norfolk who play on out-of-town teams (e.g. teams from other regions, provincial teams, etc.) are eligible for recognition if their team medaled at provincial, national, or international competitions
Teams and Individuals who have received awards (such as Coach of the Year, Team of the Year, All-Star etc.) from provincial, national, or international sports organizations
How Can You Help? If you know of a team or individual whose achievements since October 2023 would qualify them for the 2024 Parade of Champions, and they have not already been recognized at Council or at last year’s Parade of Champions, please contact us before September 16, 2024 at norfolkcountysportshall@gmail.com to let us know. In the case of a team, please provide a contact person willing to relay and provide information. We’re keeping a running list but don’t want to miss anyone!
How Will I Know If I’m Invited? The Sports Hall will reach out to eligible individuals and teams (through a contact person), providing the details. However, if you don’t receive information about the event and think you should be included, please contact us at norfolkcountysportshall@gmail.com to let us know.
You can support the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition and show your passion for sports by purchasing a Sports Folk Shirt. Designed and printed by Eric Pond designs, these shirts come in a variety of sizes. Styles include T-shirt, crewneck, long sleeve, and hoodie options.
Left to right, Shane Bergman, Shirley Shaw, Barry Boughner, and Rob Smithson, son of the late Paul Smithson, holding the plaques that will be installed in the Sports Hall display at the Simcoe Recreation Centre.
The Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition welcomed four new inductees on Saturday July 13th, 2024, at an induction dinner held at the Hungarian Hall in Delhi. At the event, attended by approximately 150 people, former Calgary Stampeder Shane Bergman, Special Olympics coach and organizer Shirley Shaw, dual-sport athlete Barry Boughner, and late Paul Smithson, a standout curler and ambassador for the game, were formally inducted into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition.
Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin and Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady attended the event, bringing greetings from their respective constituencies and presenting commemorative scrolls to the inductees.
During the induction ceremony, Shane Bergman was introduced by former Hamilton Tiger Cat and previous inductee John Macdonald, who categorized Bergman as one of the best Canadian offensive linemen to play in the Canadian Football League.
Jeff Charlesworth, Program Consultant for Southwest Ontario for Special Olympics Ontario, sent a message in honour of Shirley Shaw’s induction, commenting that “the Simcoe Seals swim program is one of the best in the province,” and noting Shaw’s induction is “well deserved.”
Barry Boughner, who played six years of professional hockey as well as excelling in the Intercounty Baseball League, was able to show the audience his Gold Bat award. Boughner was recognized as one of the top 100 players participating in the IBL from 1919 to 2018. Boughner also shared some memories of his sports involvement, including meeting hockey legend Gordie Howe.
Rob Smithson, son of the late Paul Smithson, accepted the induction honours on Paul’s behalf, and shared some memories, including his father’s belief in the value of spending 30 minutes a day at a task one wants to excel at.
Former Major League Baseball and Canadian National Team pitcher John Axford was also named as a 2023 inductee. Due to previous commitments, John was unable attend the July 13th event, and will be recognized at a future induction dinner.
Plaques noting each inductee’s achievements will be added to the Sports Hall’s physical display located in the pool viewing deck of the Simcoe Recreation Centre.
Jim Adams Sr. and George Pond, both of whom participated in the startup of the Sports Hall thirty years ago, were in attendance. Both Adams and Pond are past executive members as well as past inductees. Past Sports Hall executive members and inductees Don Stewart and Mike Vrooman were also present, with Stewart delivering the introduction for Barry Boughner’s induction.
Other former inductees in attendance included David Edmonds, Ashley Haskett, John Lotus, John Macdonald, Jim Merrick, Jean Montgomery (who is also currently co-chair of the Sports Hall), Bob Proracki, Jim Simmons, and Dave Smith.
An event of this nature would not be possible without the many businesses and individuals who sponsored inductees, purchased ads in the induction booklet, or donated prizes for the silent auction or the end-of-the-evening draw. These include Platinum sponsors Demeyere Automotive, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 125, Delhi, Simcoe Curling Club, and Woodhouse United Church, as well as Gold sponsors/advertisers Good Redden Klosler and Sonnyside Flowers.
Media sponsors were My FM, the Port Dover Maple Leaf, and the Simcoe Reformer. Downtown Simcoe BIA was a Ruby Sponsor/Advertiser, while Silver sponsors/advertisers were Barry Malcolm, Burning Kiln Winery, Carter’s Men’s Wear, Connect Marketing Group, DaSilva Auto, Delhi Archery Club, Delhi Minor Baseball, Dr. Thorpe and Family, The Family of Doug King, McKay Insurance and Financial Services Inc., Norfolk Youth Basketball, Second Ave. Printing, Stoney’s Hardware, Toronto Blue Jays, and Travelodge.
Bronze sponsors/advertisers were The Barrel Restaurant, Bobbi Ann Brady, Boston Pizza, Delhi Kin Club, Kerry’s St. James St. Eatery, Springview Farm Golf Course, and Waterford Girl.
Sobeys and Eising’s donated table decorations for the dinner, and Picard Foods provided the chocolate bars enjoyed by the attendees.
The Sports Hall is grateful to the Delhi Hungarian Hall for providing the venue and the excellent meal.
Skaters from the 11:30 to 12:15 Skate with the Greats session pose for a photo with Elaine Chuli
On June 15, 2024, 71 skaters hit the ice during on-ice sessions with Waterford’s Elaine Chuli, currently a goaltender with the Montreal team of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Thank you to everyone who came out and made the Skate with the Greats event at Waterford Tricenturena such a success!
Participants from the 12:15 to 1:00 on-ice session with Elaine Chuli.Elaine also took the time to sign photos, jerseys, sticks, and memorabilia.
An event of this nature would not be successful without the contributions of people and organizations. The Sports Hall would like to thank (in no particular order):
Holly VanNetten, who served as a skate patroller
Elaine and her family, for setting up a great display of helmets, jerseys, etc.
Our Sports Hall volunteers at the event, Jean Montgomery, Heather King, Sandy Smith, and Lisa Timpf
Lori Roloson, for her opening remarks
The Roloson family, for designating the Sports Hall as a venue for in memoriam donations for Donald Roloson. The generous donations made in memoriam funded the Skate with the Greats event, enabling the Sports Hall to offer this event free of charge
Waterford Tim Hortons for donating coffee, hot chocolate, and Timbits
Springview Farm Golf Course, for donating bags of chips
Norfolk County, for allowing us to partner with their Community Days event
All of the participants and parents, for making it such a pleasant and fun
Two participants meet Elaine while waiting to get onto the ice.
event
Those who made donations at the event to support the Sports Hall
And, of course, Elaine herself for being willing to participate in the event so that fans could meet her in person
A copy of the group photos will be sent to the email address of whoever registered the participants in the day’s event. If you don’t receive a photo by June 21, 2024, please contact us at norfolkcountysportshall@gmail.com
The Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition will hold its next Induction Dinner July 13, 2024 at the Hungarian Hall in Delhi. The event will honour 2022 inductees Shane Bergman and Shirley Shaw, as well as 2023 inductees Barry Boughner and the late Paul Smithson.
Bergman spent seven seasons with the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders, and was a member of two Grey Cup-winning teams. Shaw is a long-time coach and organizer for Special Olympics, and was named Special Olympics Ontario Female Coach of the Year in 2016.
Boughner played six years of professional hockey in the IHL, CHL, AHL, and NHL. A standout baseball player, he was also named to the Gold Bat Club as one of the top 100 Intercounty Baseball League players since 1919.
Smithson’s curling career spanned 37 years and included two provincial championship titles, two berths in the provincial finals, and 15 Zone championships. Described as “a great ambassador for the sport,” Smithson also assisted with running bonspiels, promoting the game, and introducing new people to curling.
John Axford, who was named as a 2023 inductee, is unavailable for this year’s ceremony due to previous commitments, and will be honoured at a future induction event.
Tickets for the Induction Dinner are on sale until June 20, and are available for purchase at the Simcoe Recreation Centre Customer Service Desk and at Dave’s Variety in Delhi. Tickets are $60 per adult, and $20 for children aged 6 to 12. Admission is free for children 5 and under.
Doors will open at 4 p.m., with the 2022 and 2023 inductees being introduced at 4:45. The dinner will begin at 5:00, with the induction ceremony to follow.
This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition, whose displays can be viewed on the pool viewing deck of the Simcoe Recreation Centre. More information about the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition and its activities is available at our web site, https://www.norfolksports.ca/.
Goaltender Elaine Chuli vs. Toronto March 8, 2024. Photo by Alex D’Addese/PWHL
Elaine Chuli will be the featured guest at a “Skate with the Greats” event at the Waterford Tricenturena June 15, 2024. Hosted by the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition, this event will allow participants to meet and skate with Chuli, a goaltender with the Montreal team of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
The on-ice portion of the event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are still openings in the 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. time slot (as of June 6, the 12:15 to 1 p.m. time slot has been filled.) Though there is no fee to participate, pre-registration is required.
Helmets are recommended for on-ice participants. A group photo will be taken with Elaine at the end of each on-ice session. Participants are welcome to wear hockey jerseys if they wish.
To register, contact norfolkcountysportshall@gmail.com, and provide the first and last names of anyone who is participating in the on-ice session (we need this information for registration). Openings are only available in the 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. time slot.
Registration will be limited to 50 people per session. Registration will close June 10, 2024, or earlier if slots are filled.
After the on-ice sessions, Elaine will be available from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Tricenturena lobby area for autograph signing and photo opportunities.
The event is available free of charge thanks to generous donations made to the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition in memory of the late Donald Roloson. The Sports Hall also thanks Waterford Tim Horton’s and Springview Farm Golf Course for their support.
The Skate With the Greats event will be part of Norfolk’s Community Days celebrations. As the Tricenturena parking lot will be occupied with other displays, participants will need to park off-site.
Originally from Waterford, Ontario, Chuli has amassed an impressive hockey resume. She played goal for the University of Connecticut Huskies, earning team MVP honours in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
She was also a member of the Toronto Six of the Premier Hockey Federation, helping them win an Isobel Cup in 2023. In 2022, Chuli was named Goaltender of the Year for the PHF, and was also named the All-Star Game MVP.
Most recently, during the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s inaugural 2023-2024 season, Chuli played in eight games for Montreal, posting a league-leading 1.61 Goals Against Average.
Q&A:
Q: I’m going to be bringing a child to the event, but not participating on the ice. Do I need to register?
A: No. We only need the names of those participating in the on-ice portion, so we can check their names off on arrival
Q: Can I still attend the photo opp/autograph session if I don’t participate in the on-ice session?
A: Yes. The 1 to 2 p.m. photo opp/autograph session is open to all.
Q: Do I have to pay admission?
A: Thanks to in memoriam donations received by the Sports Hall in honour of Donald Roloson, we are able to offer this event at no charge to participants.
Q: Should on-ice participants bring hockey sticks?
A: No.
Q: If I want an autograph, should I bring something to sign?
A: We are planning to provide photos for Elaine to sign. However, if there is something you wish her to sign, that can be accommodated within reason.
Q: Will refreshments be available?
A: The Sports Hall is planning to have snacks and drinks available for purchase.
John Axford, who grew up in Port Dover, Ontario, played major league baseball for ten years. Nicknamed “Ax Man,” Axford, a pitcher, suited up for a number of teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, and St. Louis Cardinals. He also played seven seasons in the minor leagues, and was named to Team Canada’s baseball team in 2013 and 2023. Prior to playing professional ball, Axford pitched for Notre Dame and Canisius College.
In 2011, Axford was the National League’s saves leader. That year, he received the National League’s Rolaids Relief Man Award, and was named co-winner (along with Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds) of the Tip O’Neill Award, issued by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
Axford played minor ball in Port Dover and was a member of several provincial championship teams, including the 1999 Midget OBA Champions, 2000 Midget Champions and OBA Team of the Year, and 2001 Midget OBA Champions. One of his former coaches described Axford as a standout player, adding “it was his intelligence, his strong work ethic, and his leadership that set him apart.”
Barry Boughner
Barry Boughner
Barry Boughner, originally from Delhi, Ontario, was a standout baseball and hockey player, as well as a coach and organizer in the Inter-County Baseball League. Boughner’s on-ice career included six years of professional hockey in the IHL, CHL, AHL, and NHL. He suited up for the California Golden Seals, Des Moines Oak Leafs, New Haven Nighthawks, and Albuquerque Six-Guns, among others. Boughner played junior hockey with the London Nationals, helping them to a Junior B championship in 1964-65. Boughner was named to the OHA West All-Star team in 1967-68, along with Darryl Sittler. Boughner also coached at the Junior A level in hockey.
Boughner played baseball for London’s Junior A and Senior A Intercounty Baseball League teams, earning multiple championship titles. During his career with London, Boughner played all nine positions, including catcher and pitcher. His versatility is demonstrated by the fact that he made the IBL first all-star team in 1974 as a second baseman, in 1975 as a third baseman, and in 1980 as a designated hitter. Boughner’s prowess was recognized by the Intercounty Baseball League, who named him to their Gold Bat Club in 2018 as one of the top 100 IBL players since 1919. Boughner also served as a coach and organizer in the IBL.
Boughner has been described as “an exceptional coach whose passion, dedication, and commitment to player development have left a mark.” As a player, he was said to be “a natural team leader,” and a person who “gave his all every game.”
Paul Smithson
Paul Smithson
Paul Smithson is being inducted posthumously as an athlete/organizer, As a curler, Smithson skipped his teams to two provincial championship titles and two berths in the Provincial finals, and also notched 15 Zone championships, curling for a total of 37 years. One fellow curler recalls Smithson as “very competitive” but added that his competitiveness never detracted from his sense of fair play.
Smithson helped out with “Learn to Curl” programs, and was described as a “tireless” worker running bonspiels, promoting the game, and introducing new people to curling, serving as “a great ambassador for the sport.”
As a high school student, Smithson excelled in football and track and field, particularly pole vault. His passion for track and field carried over when he became a teacher. Smithson organized youth track and field and cross country events for elementary school students for 29 years.
Induction Dinner
Barry Boughner and Paul Smithson, along with Class of 2022 inductees Shane Bergman and Shirley Shaw, will be formally inducted into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition at the Induction Dinner Saturday, July 13 at the Hungarian Hall in Delhi. Tickets will go for sale to the general public in June. Details will be announced on the web site.
Due to a previous commitment, John Axford will not be available to attend the 2024 Induction Dinner. While he remains a 2023 Inductee, John’s Induction Ceremony will take place at a future event.
Roy Cowan, who was initially named as a 2023 Inductee, has since declined that honour.
The Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition is physically located in the Simcoe Recreation Centre, pool viewing area level. Displays of sports team photos and inductee plaques can be viewed during regular operating hours. Additional information about events, past inductees and how to nominate individuals can be found on the Sports Hall’s web site, www.norfolksports.ca.
To keep everyone updated on the Sports Hall’s activities and events, we have launched a newsletter, which will be posted on the web site and emailed out to those who wish to receive it. If you’d like to be added to the mailing list for the newsletter, please contact us at norfolkcountysportshall@gmail.com.
You can navigate to the newsletter by clicking on the “Newsletter” tab on the web site’s menu.
The annual Parade of Champions, which is conducted by the County of Norfolk and the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition, recognizes teams and individuals who have won provincial, national, or international sporting competitions. This year’s Parade of Champions will take place on Tuesday, October 3 at the Norfolk County Fair.
The Parade of Champions recognizes individuals from Norfolk County who have won provincial, national, or international championships between October 2022 and present, as well as those who have been honoured with awards, such as Coach of the Year, from a provincial, national, or international sports organization.
While the Sports Hall has been keeping a running tally of championship achievements listed by local media, we want to ensure we don’t miss anyone. If you know of a team or individual who qualifies for inclusion and hasn’t yet been contacted regarding this event, please get in touch with the Sports Hall at norfolkcountysportshall@gmail.com.
You can support the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition and show your passion for sports by purchasing a Sports Folk Shirt. Designed and printed by Eric Pond designs, these shirts come in a variety of sizes. Styles include T-shirt, crewneck, long sleeve, and hoodie options.
