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Brock Weir The father-son hockey duo of Dave and Ryan
Gardner are among the individuals honoured as the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame's
Class of 2019. The Gardners, recognized in the Athlete
category, are joined by long-time golf volunteer Jim Clark, recognized in the
Builder/Contributor category, swim coach Reg Chappell, honoured in the Coach
category, and gymnast Travis Romagnoli, recognized in the Athlete category. “I am really honoured to be part of the
2019 Aurora Sports Hall of Fame inductees, along with my son Ryan and other
inductees,” said David Gardner, who played over 350 games in the NHL, including
stints with the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues. Added Ryan, who has represented Team
Canada at the Winter Olympics, “What a great feeling to receive a call from the
Aurora Sports Hall of Fame that you are not only being inducted, but with your
father. I was totally speechless. I can't wait for the evening and meeting the
other inductees. I'm thrilled.” The Class of 2019 was announced Tuesday
night in Council chambers and they will be celebrated at a special induction
dinner this November at St. Andrew's College. The Aurora Sports Hall of Fame celebrates
excellence in sports and pays tribute to those who have contributed and
enriched the sport within Aurora, as well as those who have served as
ambassadors for local sport further afield. “The 2019 slate of inductees continues to
exemplify the depth of talent that sport has played in our community,” said
David Thom, President of the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame. “The commitment and
dedication of these individuals to their sport and their generosity to give
back to our community exemplifies Aurora's rich history of sport. We are proud
to include them on our 2019 inductee slate.” These sentiments were bolstered by Stephen
Forsey, Chair of the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame induction committee. “Not only are they highly distinguished in
their respective careers, but more importantly they are outstanding people and
longstanding citizens of Aurora,” he said. “They have brought a tremendous
spotlight to our community as athletes, coaches and builders and have helped
others in their areas through volunteerism. They are role models and the Aurora
Sports Hall of Fame is fortunate and proud that they are Aurorans. It will be
an honour to recognize and celebrate their achievements.” A “champion of volunteers,” Jim Clark has
leant a helping hand for the Canadian Open for the past 35 years, and has
served eleven times as tournament chair. He has been previously recognized with
the PGA Volunteer of the Year Award and 2017 and will be back in action this
August when Aurora hosts the 2019 Canadian Women's Open at the Magna Golf Club. “I am so honoured to be considered by the
Aurora Sports Hall of Fame to be part of the 2019 slate of inductees and can't
wait for this coming in November to meet my fellow inductees and enjoy a
fabulous evening with my family and friends,” said Mr. Clark. While Mr. Clark has made his sporting
contributions on the greens, Reg Chappell
has made his name around the water. Founder of Ducks
Swimming in 1993, he has coached swimmers to new heights, including Paralympian
Summer Mortimer to three new world records. 2019 will be a banner
year for Mr. Chappell. Before his formal induction into the Aurora Sports Hall
of Fame this fall, he will be inducted into the Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame
this September. “I am truly humbled,”
said Mr. Chappell. “It is a great honour and a great privilege to be recognized
and I want to thank the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame.” Travis Romagnoli is
familiar with hitting new heights, gaining fame as a gymnast from the age of 13
when he won his first Canadian National Championship in 1989. By 1994, he was named to the Canadian
Commonwealth Gymnastics Team and, following high school and pursuing
post-secondary education in the United States, was named All American and Big
Ten Conference Athlete of the Year.
Excerpt: The father-son hockey duo of Dave and Ryan Gardner are among the individuals honoured as the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019.
Post date: 2019-05-31 13:16:16
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