Edmontonians among 2023 inductees named to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame – Edmonton
Some accomplished Edmonton athletes were among the 2023 inductees into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday.
Randy Ferbey’s curling team, which included David Nedohin, Scott Pfeifer and Marcel Rocque and enjoyed significant competitive success in the early 2000s, will now join the more than 700 people already named to the Hall since its inception in 1955.
“I’m a bit overwhelmed; it’s a bit surreal,” said Ferbey, adding that he hopes the honor will lead to more recognition for curlers in Canada in the future.
“We devote as much time to our craft as any baseball, football or basketball player,” he said.
“There are a lot of teams in Canada who should rightly be in the room alongside us, and unfortunately there aren’t many curlers and I would like to see that change in the future.”
Lead Marcel Rocque, left to right, second Scott Pfeifer, David Nedohin and captain Randy Ferbey celebrate after winning the 2006 Players Championship final in Calgary, Sunday April 16, 2006. The team won the award of $50,000.
(CP PHOTO/Jeff McIntosh)
Danielle Peers, a wheelchair basketball player born and raised in Edmonton, was also among the inductees announced Thursday at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que.
Peers helped Canada win gold at the Para Wheelchair World Championship in 2006 and was named that tournament’s Most Valuable Player. They also helped Canada win a bronze medal at the 2004 Paralympic Games.
In 2006, Peers became the first female MVP of the European Men’s Club Championship. They also helped win five consecutive Canadian National Championships with the Edmonton Inferno.
After retiring from competitive sports, Peers earned a doctorate in physical education and recreation and began working at the University of Alberta as an a*sociate professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology.
The university’s website indicates that Peers currently holds a Canada Research Chair in Disability and Movement Cultures.
Danielle Peers, a wheelchair basketball player born and raised in Edmonton.
CREDIT: Twitter/@sportshall (photo by Bogetti Smith and Wheelchair Basketball Canada
Other athletes honored at Thursday’s ceremony included figure skaters Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, as well as mixed martial arts star Georges St-Pierre.
All inductees announced Thursday will receive the Order of Sport award at a ceremony on Oct. 19.
— with files from Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press
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