July 09, 2013 (Ottawa, ON) – Former Canada Games Council Chairman Senator Larry Smith, athletes Annie Pelletier and Pierre Harvey, as well as Canada Games pioneers Claude Hardy and Peter Lesaux are the 2013 inductees to be inducted into the Canada Games Hall of Honour.

In total, the 2013 Hall of Honour induction will honour five individuals, the past Chairman of the Canada Games Council, two builders and two athletes.

“The 2013 Canada Games Hall of Honour inductees truly encompass the spirit of what the Canada Games are all about. Each inductee has contributed so much in their own way to the development and sustainability of the Games,’’ says Tom Quinn, Canada Games Council Chairman. “The 2013 class certainly has displayed a high degree of passion and dedication to Canadian sport and are each great Canada Games ambassadors.’’

Induction into the Canada Games Hall of Honour occurs every two years during every 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.

In February of 2007, the inaugural induction into the Canada Games Hall of Honour took place at a ceremony in Whitehorse, Yukon as part of the 2007 Canada Winter Games. The induction celebrated former Canada Games Chairman Jack Pelech for his years of volunteer support and countless contributions. To date, there have been three classes inducted into the Hall of Honour in Games-years, making this year’s class the fourth since 2007.

“The 2013 inductees are certainly a plethora of amazing people who have had such a positive effect on the development of the Canada Games,” says Canada Games Council President and CEO, Sue Hylland. “Our builders were trailblazers that helped shape the way the Canada Games are structured today and our athletes are terrific examples of Canada Games alumni having gone on to become celebrated Canadian athletes.’’

Athlete inductees include Montreal born diver Annie Pelletier, who is celebrated in Quebec and who will be on-hand at the Sherbrooke induction ceremony.

‘’For me, the 1989 Canada Games in Saskatoon represented a springboard towards my dream of competing in the Olympics,’’ says Annie Pelletier, Hall of Honour inductee. ‘’The Canada Games were like a mini-Olympics in my own country. They were definitely a good rehearsal.’’

Another inductee, Peter Lesaux, reflects fondly on his time spent helping to develop the Canada Games Property. ‘’ To be formally recognized for one’s contributions to the evolution and success of the Canada Games is a very proud and humbling experience’’ says Lesaux. ‘’Thank you to the selection Committee of the Hall of Honour and to my many friends and associates in Sport.’’

The induction ceremony will take place at the Grand Times Hotel on August 1st, 2013 as part of the celebrations for the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke from August 2-17.

Please find following biography information on each inductee.

Larry Smith
Larry Smith was certainly a tremendous football player during his playing career, but he also played an important role in the business side of sports. Smith held such positions as senior general manager for John Labatt Ltd., CFL Commissioner, as well as President and CEO of the Montreal Alouettes. Smith earned many accolades for his business prowess over the years, being named Marketer of the year in 1999 by the Montreal Marketing association and making the top 50 list of the most Powerful and Influential people in 2001, 2002 and 2003. His incredible pedigree in sports as well as in business made him a perfect fit in the position of Canada Games Chairman from 2001 to 2009.

Annie Pelletier
Annie Pelletier originally began her athletic career as a gymnast, before switching to diving only two years before her appearance in the 1989 Canada Games in Saskatoon. From there on out, Pelletier was a rising star until she finally reached the pinnacle of her diving career at the 1996 Olympic Games. Pelletier’s Olympic diving career was truly impressive, but her work away from the pool is as astonishing. She is extremely active within the Quebec and Canadian diving community, and acts as a role model and mentor for any and all upcoming divers. Her place in the Canada Games Hall of Honour is truly well deserved.

Pierre Harvey
Pierre Harvey began his impressive ski career in 1979, where he took part in the Canada Winter Games in Brandon, Manitoba. This launched Harvey’s athletic career as he would quickly find success on both the Canadian amateur and Olympic stage. He received many accolades throughout his illustrious career, such as reaching the Canadian Ski Championship podium 35 Times, competing in three Olympic Games (2 Summers and 1 Winter) as well as winning four World Cups. Harvey is also the first Canadian athlete to compete in both Summer (Cycling) and Winter (cross-country skiing) Olympic Games. Harvey remains very active in the Canadian Cross-Country skiing community as he was instrumental in helping establish the Centre National d’Entrainement Pierre Harvey in Quebec City.

Claude Hardy
Claude Hardy has been a part of the Canada Games since it’s inception in 1967, where he competed as an athlete for Team Quebec. From 1967 to 1999, Hardy would go on to participate in 16 Canada Games as either an athlete, a coach or a Chef de Mission. The incredible legacy Hardy left on the Canada Games is encompassed in an award given in his name at every Games. It is an award that is bestowed upon the Provincial or Territorial Mission Team that best exhibits leadership, cooperation, integrity and esprit de corps.

Peter Lesaux
Peter Lesaux certainly changed the way Canada Games’ policies and procedures are implemented today. Lesaux was the driving force behind such initiatives as doping controls, increased female athlete participation, bilingualism and coaching certification.The outstanding efforts put forth by Lesaux in these initiatives, as well as numerous other involvements,certainly merit him a place in the Canada Games Hall of Honour.