The Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame is getting ready to celebrate local athletic achievement and community contributions to sports and recreation.
The Hall’s 2026 Induction Night takes place Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Algonquin Theatre.
This year’s ceremony will welcome nine new inductees, including individual athletes, teams, builders, and coaches, representing a range of sports, including tennis, para-skiing, track and field, lacrosse, hockey, and basketball.
The evening will also feature three annual awards: the Jan Glenn Award for Female Sports Personality of the Year, the Mike Greaves Award for Male Sports Personality of the Year and the Peter Jacob Award, recognizing an individual who has made a notable contribution to sport in the Huntsville community.
The Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1990 by late Huntsville athlete and community member Mike Greaves. Hall president Wendy McConnell said continuing the annual ceremony is an important way to honour his legacy.
“He organized a group of like-minded people who wanted to honour the merits of our sports heroes and people who have done so much in this community for sport and recreation,” McConnell said.
Having been involved with the hall since its inception, McConnell said she has witnessed significant changes in both the organization and the local sports community over the years.
“I truly believe that this community, right from the get-go, has been a driving force in athletics and sports,” she said. “As Huntsville has evolved, so have so many different sports. It’s something we’re really proud of.”
While hockey and lacrosse were once among Huntsville’s most dominant sports, McConnell said the hall has increasingly recognized achievements in a wider range of sports, including badminton, water-skiing, and golf.
McConnell said each year, the hall receives approximately 100 nominations, with a nine-member committee responsible for selecting the names that will be inducted.
“I think the fact that we’ve got such a healthy list bodes well for the longevity of our group,” she said.
McConnell said the event is also a great opportunity to honour and recognize the coaches, volunteers, and support networks that help athletes succeed.
“Without the volunteers and the coaches in the community, Huntsville wouldn’t be on the map like it is for sports and recreation,” she said. “Huntsville is a highly regarded community no matter where you go in Ontario.”
McConnell also emphasized the importance of continued community involvement and her hopes to keep the passion for sport alive for generations to come.
“I’d like to see new faces on our committee,” she said. “We’re always on the lookout for new people that have the same passion and love for sport and recreation that we do.”
With the night quickly approaching, McConnell encouraged residents to come out and show their support.
“We try to make the night as special as we possibly can for the inductees and their families,” she said. “It’s a pretty big deal and we’re very proud of it.”
Tickets are $25 and are available at the door or online here.
For more information on the Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame, click here.
