Elizabeth Mason, FEO, August 1, 2024, VOL. 5 ISSUE 24 

Baseball, Boating, Dance, Golf, Football, Hockey, Horseback Riding, Martial Arts, Rugby, Skating, Soccer, Tennis.  Fort Erie takes pride in our athletes and nothing stirs the Town’s spirit more than the unstoppable drive of our hometown sports.

From the soccer fields to the ice rinks, our local athletes showcase skills and resilience that are worthy of recognition. Fortunately, that’s what the Greater Fort Erie Sports Wall of Fame Committee is working on improving.

Established in 1980, and located in the Kinsmen Arena at the Leisureplex, the Greater Fort Erie Sports Wall of Fame receives annual nominations for people who have “achieved an outstanding or prominent level in their sport, or an above average level of success in several sports,” according to the Town’s website. Additionally, the selection committee looks for those athletes, teams and coaches who are not only successful in their sport, but are a “credit to the Greater Fort Erie area in terms of achievement and character.”  That there are now 95 plaques honouring local athletes is a testament to the long history of sports in Fort Erie, and the support and encouragement available to those athletes and those who develop programs to help them reach their full potential.  

The first inductee was placed on the wall in 1981. In 2019 the committee at the time accepted six new inductees but due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the induction dinner in June of 2020 could not take place.  Those inductees have yet to be added to the wall. 

In April of 2023, a new volunteer committee was formed, comprised of George Ahern, Karen Cole, Cathy Dennahower, Joe Fazio, Hal Maracle, Jim Pearce, Lionel Pereira and Michael Clarkson. When the new committee attempted to have plaques created for the six outstanding inductees, they were unable to reproduce the existing plaques. At the same time, it was noted that the mural on the wall was starting to disintegrate, and upon closer examination of the existing plaques, they found a number of discrepancies and poor picture quality.

“At the time we decided it was best to completely redo the wall and with the expertise of Alison Sports in Niagara Falls, we will be able to add consistency in the quality of the plaques and uniformity on the wall,” says Chair of the committee, George Ahern.

The committee has been working hard to create a beautiful new wall with brand new plaques. The photos and text will be clearer to better see the inductees and their achievements.

Now, with the support of Mr. Sean Hutton, Manager of Parks and Facilities for the Town of Fort Erie, the volunteers have removed all the existing plaques, refurbished and repainted the wall and are in the process of having the signage and border installed.

“That’s the good part,” says Ahern, “unfortunately there is a price to replace the plaques and the cost is $12,000.”

The Wall of Fame stands as a testament to the committee’s hard work and dedication. They are actively seeking the generosity of our business community and the Town of Fort Erie to help them recognize these hometown athletes. Your contributions will not only celebrate their past successes but also pave the way for future champions.  Please contact the Town offices if you would like to donate to the renovations.

Stay tuned to see the finished product, and go see the progress of the wall for yourself!