SHOF

On February 23, it was my pleasure to attend the 19th annual Sport Achievement Awards at the Coast Bastion Hotel. The awards honour top team and individual achievements from the past year in local sports, and are a highlight of the sporting calendar. But this year something else was added: In addition to the Achievement Awards, the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame had a portion of the agenda. Operated by the Nanaimo Museum, the SHOF recognizes a select few people each year whose career achievements make them worthy of special note. Nominations are invited each year, but the bar is high, and only a select few rate admission to the Hall based on their career accomplishments. I was thrilled to MC this portion of the program, and to introduce this year's four inductees: Bob Gold and Leo Beier, who were inducted posthumously in the Builder category, and athletes Sandy Harper from golf and Lauren van Oosten from swimming. Very deserving winners, and further proof to Nanaimo's strong sports history.