Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame Latest Calling for Kelsey and Sargent

For Immediate Release April 23, 2019

Vancouver, BC – The BC Sports Hall of Fame is applauding the induction of two of its own long-standing Honoured Members to the 2019 class that will be enshrined into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame later this year: Howard Kelsey and Joanne Sargent.

Kelsey’s name is synonymous with Canadian men’s basketball, to the point where he will receive the rare distinction of being inducted to the National Basketball Hall of Fame as both an athlete and a builder. Kelsey was an Honoured Member of the 2012 BC Hall of Fame’s induction class. Sargent is regarded as one of the best Canadian women to ever play the game and is best known for her play in representing Canada at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. She is an Honoured Member of the BC Sports Hall of Fame induction class of 2014.

“Seeing such pillars of BC basketball recognized for the impact of their contributions nation- wide is gratifying for all of us associated with the BC Sports Hall of Fame and the larger sports community,” said Tom Mayenknecht, Chair of the BC Sports Hall of Fame. “Howard’s commitment to basketball – as a player, as an executive and as a promoter of the game — are second to none. His national induction as player and builder adds yet another layer of story- telling to his existing status as an Honoured Member of the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Similarly for Joanne, who played for Canada at the 1976 Summer Olympics and is one of the best Canadian women’s players ever produced. She inspired an entire generation of players who followed in her footsteps; emblematic of the impact our Honoured Members have on BC and Canada.”

Kelsey is a native of Vancouver, who represented Canada for 11-years as a member of a National Team and was a two-time Olympian in 1980 and 1984, during which Canada finished fourth. He also helped lead Canada to gold medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Basketball Championship and the 1983 FISU World University Games. Following his playing career, Kelsey served as Athletic Coordinator at the University of Victoria before becoming Executive Vice-President of Canada Basketball.

Sargent is a native of Salmon Arm who became known for her tireless work ethic and focused determination every time she led her teams onto the basketball court. She led Canada to a sixth- place finish at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Sargent also represented Canada at the Pan American Games and World Championship for Women in 1971 and 1975. During her five years at the University of British Columbia, Sargent led the Thunderbirds to two CWIAU national championships and a Senior ‘A’ women’s title.

About the BC Sports Hall of Fame

Honouring the Past. Inspiring the Future. Located at Gate “A” of BC Place with inspiring exhibits, the BC Sports Hall of Fame is the ‘go to’ organization for BC sport heritage. For 53 years, we have honoured BC’s teams, builders, athletes, pioneers, and media through our annual Induction Gala. The collection at the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum includes over 27,000 artifacts and 100,000 archival documents representing 150-years of sporting accomplishments in British Columbia. In everything it does, the BC Sports Hall of Fame honours, educates, and inspires through the Hero In You Youth Education Programs.

For more information please visit: www.bcsportshalloffame.com follow us on twitter @bcsportshall and like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/bcsportshall/

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Media Contact

Kelly Gleeson LBMG
604-240-6231
kgleeson@lbmg.ca