October 26, 2007 (Toronto, ON) – Beckie Scott, cross-country gold (2002) and silver (2006) Olympic medallist joined the Canadian sporting elite on Thursday night at the Canada Sport Hall of Fame Induction dinner. Other inductees in the athlete category included Cassie Campbell (Women’s Hockey), Daniel Egali (Wrestling), Mike Bossy (Hockey), Doug Flutie (Football) and Larry Walker (Baseball).

Since the early fifties Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame has acknowledged pioneers and heroes in Canadian Sport. The eight inductee’s who were celebrated at the 2007 Induction Dinner held on October 25th in Toronto represented a broad cross section of sport. Each inductee spoke eloquently of their experiences in sport, sharing personal anecdotes of their early years and the importance of family and early coaches for instilling a love of sport that formed the basis of their success.

The evening’s agenda was nicely balanced between the induction of the Builders prior to dinner, an interesting monolog and auction by Dennis Hall followed by the Athlete Induction ceremonies.

Cassie Campbell, captain of Canada’s Golden Olympic and World Championship Women’s Hockey Team’s and successful CBC hockey analysis became the first women hockey player to be inducted into CSHOF. She attributed her success to playing pick-up hockey in her youth with her brother, posing as a target for anything he shot at her. Daniel Igali, the 2000 Olympic gold medal wrestler commented that his life changed forever after the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria where he claimed refugee status from his war ravaged country of Algeria. At the time he was torn between leaving his family that included 20 siblings and pursuing his ambition to win at the highest level possible. Doug Flutie, the first non-Canadian to be inducted into the Hall, credited his years in the CFL with renewing his passion for the game of football and allowing him to pursue his love of the game “his way.” Dr. Robert Steadward, who is acknowledged as growing disability sport and positioning the Paralympics as a partner with the Olympic Games, became the first President of the International Paralympic Committee in 1989 and remains their honorary President, was inducted in the Builder category.

For the cross-country ski community the evening provided a special opportunity to celebrate the career of Beckie Scott. Surrounded by family and friends Beckie reflected on the importance and support provided by her teammates, coaches and technical staff during her career and the pride she felt representing Canada at the International level. The evening featured a number of Beckie’s closest supporters including her father Walter, her first coach Les Parsons and of course husband Justin who had his hands full with 5-week old Teo. Scott become only the second person from cross country skiing to be honoured, joining legendary Jackrabbit Herman Smith-Johansson (1982) in the Hall.

During her acceptance speech, Beckie thanked the many supporters and friends at Haywood Securities who have stood behind her and the team since 2001. It was fitting that Rob Blanchard, President and CEO of Haywood Securities was provided with the honour of presenting Beckie with her Sport Hall of Fame blazer. As Scott Russell, the voice of cross-country skiing on CBC, commented, “It’s true, Beckie Scott won because of the strength of her body. However, she became a legend because of the strength of her convictions and her belief in fair play.”

It was a good night for cross country skiing. Mike and Leslie Dyon, co-founder of RMP Athletics (Brooks) and longtime NST supplier dropped by the pre-dinner reception to extend his congratulations. New CCC and Team sponsor AltaGas spirited in senior representatives from Chatham and Burlington while CPR, NAG founder Dale Swanson and Benjamin Sadavoy (SkiTrax Magazine) joined CCC President Dave Rees and members of our Marketing Team at the event.

While Beckie’s career on the ski circuit, including 15 World Cup medals, two Olympic medals and a 2nd place overall finish in the 2006 FIS World Cup standings, will remain targets for future cross country skiers, her passion and support for UNICEF, Right to Play and drug free sport will be her legacy to sport.

Congratulations and thanks Beckie!