Honourable senators, today I rise to speak to the recent Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cambridge, Ontario, held on May 6. Always the first Saturday in May, this year’s ceremony was a special one for two big reasons. First, this was the first time in three years that the Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame was celebrated in person. The excitement was evident among those who attended, including Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett and Waterloo Regional Chair Karen Redman, along with hundreds of families, athletes, coaches and builders.

Just as important as the ceremony was the opening of the new Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame facility. It was wonderful to stroll through this fabulous celebration and history of so many talented individuals who have competed at the highest levels over the decades.

This year’s inductees included Ernie Overland and Marg Oliveira, selected for their incredible work from playground to podium in speed skating over four decades. Between the two, they have coached Olympic medallists, including their own children.

Other inductees included Bryan Little in recognition of his 19 years with the NHL Winnipeg Jets; Ron Campbell for his life commitment to coaching swimming with the Cambridge Aquajets; and Lindsay and Leslie Carson, a mother and daughter duo, who were inducted for their stellar careers in distance running. Lindsay, a five-time national team member, continues her distance running in Whitehorse, and her mother, Leslie, is a repeat marathon champion, as well as a huge contributor to the University of Guelph distance program in the early 2000s. In fact, as a 36-year-old, she returned to graduate school and was a force in Guelph winning the national championship.

Leigh Hobson, competing at the Olympics as a cyclist in the road race in 2008 at the age of 37, was a member of the Canadian National Cycling Team from 1997 to 2000 and from 2007 to 2009. Leigh — with the best smile ever — was a fierce contender in many road races around the world. It was an honour to watch her compete in Beijing.

In the teams category, the Cambridge Cubs Peewees were inducted — a fine group of young men who won the 2019 Baseball Canada Championships — and also inducted was the Jacob Hespeler Hawks football team who, after three big tries, finally won their first-ever provincial championship here in Ottawa in 2018.

Finally, and importantly, I wish to acknowledge each member of the Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame committee — some of whom have supported this community initiative for over 40 years. They are Gary Hedges, Bob Howison, Bruce Bevan, Jim Cox, Bob McIver, John Morton, Al Pederson, Paul Ross, John Rothwell, Ted Wilson and Dave Willock. And, to Doc Schlei, thank you for the photos and for keeping this event active online throughout the year.

Lastly, senators, as a reminder to each one of you, National Health and Fitness Day is right around the corner. It will be here before you know it. I hope you have those running shoes out. I will have more to say on this, but please get out there, get moving and look after your own mental and physical fitness.

Thank you. Meegwetch.