Sport Short: Walk of Fame Welcomes Clara Hughes
Bright New Star: Olympic speed skater and cyclist Clara Hughes will receive a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in October. The record six-time medallist is one of seven inductees who will be honoured at Toronto’s Canon Theatre, joining the 124 Canadians whose stars line the sidewalk on King Street West. It is a high honour for the athlete from Winnipeg, who is the only athlete in the world to win multiple medals at a single summer Games and a single winter Games. She is tied with fellow speed skater Cindy Klassen for six career medals, the most by a Canadian. Hughes was the flag bearer for Canada at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and her determination, devotion, athleticism and spirit are now famous across the country. www.canadaswalkoffame.com
22nd Overall: The first Canadian selected in Major League Baseball’s Entry Draft was Kellin Deglan, of Langley, B.C. The Canadian national junior team player was taken 22nd overall by the Texas Rangers. It’s the fourth straight year a Canadian has been snatched up in the first round. Upon being selected, Deglan received a phone call from pitching legend and Rangers president Nolan Ryan.
Debriefing Sochi: For four days in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Vancouver Olympic organizers met with Russian Olympic heads to describe what they learned during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The next winter rendition is in 2014 in Sochi. Members of VANOC, including CEO John Furlong, attended the debrief to share their experiences and help leave another legacy to the Olympic Movement. Russian delegates called the debrief extremely useful.
Recruiting Future Luge Stars: The Canadian Luge Association has launched its Western Canadian recruitment program to find future Olympic stars in the sledding sport. The recruitment camps are one of the first legacy programs of the 2010 Games. Camp dates are June 12, July 10, August 14 and September 11. For more information, visit www.luge.ca.
World Cup, Meet Women’s Ski Jumping: The International Ski Federation has voted to create a women’s World Cup for ski jumping, set to launch in the 2011-2012 season. Until now, Canadian jumpers had competed on the Continental Cup series. This, combined with a second World Championships scheduled for 2011, is a big step toward inclusion at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
