By Ian Gustafson

June 7

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony set for this Saturday

Jun 2, 2025 | 1:19 PM

The 2025 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is set to take place this weekend to honour a long list of legendary athletes and builders from the province.

The class will be formally inducted during a gala on Saturday, June 7 at 5 p.m. at the Red Deer Resort & Casino.

Tickets are $150 each and are still available by calling 403-341-8614 or by visiting the Hall of Fame’s website.

Dianne Finstad, who’s a long time local media member focused on rodeo and agricultural news, was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 as a Bell Memorial media member.

She also serves as a volunteer for the Hall of Fame and announced the inductees back in November. She said it’s exciting that it’s finally arrived.

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“It’s exciting to see the new crop and the variety of sports and people represented,” she said. “We hear little bits of their story prior to but this is their opportunity to be honoured and to share their story personally. It’s always a special evening just to see what it means to them to have their career accomplishments recognized in this way.”

The group to be inducted includes six athletes, three builders, one team, one media member, and two former CFL equipment managers honoured with an achievement award.

Most notably, Clara Hughes, a six-time Olympic medalist and the only athlete to win multiple medals in both Summer and Winter Games, will be inducted.

Hughes may be from Manitoba but she did all of her training in Alberta. She’s also served as a mental health advocate as the spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk.

“That aspect of sports has been really important as well,” Finstad said

Meanwhile locally, the 1981-89 Red Deer College Queens volleyball team, who won eight consecutive ACAC titles and eight CCAA medals, will also be inducted.

“I played some college volleyball and 81′ was at the tail end of when I played and I remember what a dynasty they were,” she added. “I think it’s great that the hall honours teams because it really represents a big part of sports.”

Finstad explained the experience of being inducted into the Hall of Fame is very humbling. She encourages everyone to attend the ceremony.

“I never imagined I’d be in a sports hall of fame and to know some of my colleagues nominated me is really overwhelming,” she said. “It’s really neat to have been inducted and now involved with the Hall of Fame on an ongoing basis cheering it on and hoping people will take advantage of it. Being right here in Red Deer we’re really fortunate to have it just down the road.”

A full list of the inductees and their biographies can be found on our website.