For some, Doors Open is about celebrating the unique history and built heritage of a community.
In Centre Wellington, the community went a bit further, by recognizing the unique individuals who make up the fabric of the community.
On June 20, Centre Wellington’s cultural coordinator Elizabeth Bender spoke enthusiastically about the relaunch of the local hall of fame.
Bender welcomed the crowd gathered for the relaunch of the Centre Wellington Hall of Fame located at the front of the Centre Wellington Sportsplex in Fergus.
Bender also spoke briefly about Doors Open.
Various buildings throughout the municipality opened their doors for public viewing as part of the province-wide Doors Open Ontario initiative.
Bender added those involved in the sites “have gone above and beyond to show you something you haven’t seen before.”
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton was on hand to introduce the local athletes to be inducted into the Sports hall of fame.
Linton said he has spent a lot of time exploring the hall and encouraged others to do so.
“There are a lot of neat stories there,” he said.
“This is an exciting day. We have three athletes we’ll be inducting into the Centre Wellington hall of fame.”
He spoke of Patrick Anderson, “who is considered the best wheelchair basketball player in the world.”
Linton said Anderson grew up in Fergus, discovered wheelchair basketball in 1990 and was part of back-to-back world championships in 1997 and 2001 and named the MVP in both tournaments.
Linton said Anderson then went on to become part of the Canadian Paralympic Team that won back-to-back gold medals in 2000 and 2004 and a silver medal in 2008. In addition he played on Team Canada which won gold in 2008 and 2012.
While Anderson was unable to attend the Fergus event, he provided an autographed photo for the hall of fame.
Anderson’s father Victor was on hand to accept the congratulatory induction on his son’s behalf.
Next, Linton spoke of rugby player Jane Kirby, who joined with the Fergus Highland Club in 2008.
Her career began in high school, but she was recruited to the United Kingdom “because they needed more girls to fill the team,” Linton said.
He added she developed a passion for rugby, “which is an awesome sport.”
Kirby was part of Canada’s Women’s World Cup in 2014.
“We’re proud of her and have a signed jersey from Jane to include in the hall of fame.”
Next up on the roster was Jamie McGinn, who plays left wing for the Colorado Avalanche.
Linton said McGinn “has developed a reputation of bringing incredible energy to every shift and is one of those players who has the ability to turn the game around with his style of play.”
Linton said McGinn’s career began in 2006 when he was drafted by the San Jose Sharks. He played for their minor league affiliate and made his NHL debut in 2008.
In 2012 he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. He was also part of Canada’s Under 18 Junior World Cup team and won a gold medal in 2005.
“Jamie is from Fergus and proud of his community roots. His younger brothers Tye and Brock are also following in his footsteps and are elite hockey players as well.”
Linton added, “We’re thrilled to have Jamie here and we have a signed Colorado Avalanche jersey.”
McGinn remained at the event to sign autographs for both kids and adults.
Linton said he was proud to be able to introduce three amazing athletes “and we’re proud to have such elite world class athletes coming out of Centre Wellington.”
Later McGinn said, “I’m very honoured to be inducted.”
While News of his induction came as a bit of a shock, McGinn said he was proud to be part of it.
“Centre Wellington is where I grew up, so it’s good to be inducted into the hall of fame.”
McGinn said, “Centre Wellington is such a great community … and it’s a big part of my heart.”
McGinn’s parents still live in Centre Wellington “and we’re a really tight family.”
As the weekend ended, Bender stated, “This year the theme was Ontario’s Sport Heritage and our local event certainly “knocked it out of the park” with more than 2,500 visitors from near and far making their way through the doors of 12 participating sites, as well as enjoying several special Doors Open events.
“Response to the event has been overwhelmingly positive with visitors noting a great variety of engaging sites and wonderful extras to see and do,” said Bender.
More photos on next page
