By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Canada Games Hall of Honour Class of 2019 unveiled

Jan 22, 2019 | 7:52 PM

As the countdown continues to the start of the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, several legends were announced Tuesday as the latest inductees into the Canada Games Hall of Honour.

Athletes Jennifer Heil, Cindy Klassen and Bruny Surin, along with Builder Clare Drake and Distinguished Alumna Dr. Elizabeth Cannon will be honoured at a dinner Feb. 14 in Red Deer.

Induction into the Canada Games Hall of Honour occurs every two years during each Canada Games. The Hall of Honour recognizes, honours and celebrates exceptional Canada Games alumni who have distinguished themselves as athletes, coaches, officials or administrators, or persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the development and advancement of the Canada Games property.

“When people come to the Canada Games, they have gone on to do amazing things – like become an Olympic champion, or the president of a university, or an inspiration to thousands of hockey players,” said Dave Patterson, Chair of the Canada Games Council. “Whatever it is they go on to do, it’s always incredible. These are five unbelievable examples.”

“My participation in the Canada Games in Newfoundland and Labrador at 15 years old was a highlight of my ski career. It was an opportunity to celebrate the power of sport, to be embraced by a community far from my own, and to challenge myself to perform on demand. I am incredibly honoured to be inducted into the Canada Games Hall of Honour,” Heil said.

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Just three years after competing at the 1999 Canada Winter Games, Heil won gold in moguls at the 2006 Olympics in Italy. She added silver at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

“The Canada Games provided me with invaluable learning opportunities that have helped me in both sport and life. I cherish my time at the Canada Games and this induction has given me the chance to reflect on those experiences. It is a proud moment to have my name placed among other Canadians who have contributed so much to our country,” said Klassen, the record-setting six-time Olympic medal winning speed skater who will be coaching Team Manitoba at the 2019 Games.

“You can rest assured here in Red Deer, there will be athletes that will compete at the next Winter Olympics in Beijing or the Paralympic Games,” Patterson noted. “This is not just the next generation, it is now. These athletes are world class now.”

Surin was part of the men’s 4 x 100 metre relay team that won gold at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He competed at the Canada Summer Games in 1989.

Drake, who passed away last year, coached at the University of Alberta for over 30 years and has left a lasting legacy on the hockey coaching world.

Cannon recently retired as the president of the University of Calgary.

The induction ceremony takes place on February 14, during the Hall of Honour Celebration Dinner as part of the celebrations for the 2019 Canada Winter Games. The event will feature special guests Cari and Ron MacLean, 2019 Canada Winter Games Honorary Co-Chairs, and Olympian Catriona Le May Doan. Tickets are available by contacting 403.309.8419.