Surrey invites nominations for its first Sports Hall of Fame, honouring athletes and contributors; first exhibit opens in 2026.
Nominations Open for Surrey’s Sports Hall of Fame
The City of Surrey is calling for nominations for the inaugural class of the Surrey Sports Hall of Fame, set to honour the city’s most influential athletes, coaches, and sports contributors. The permanent Hall is planned for the proposed new City Centre Arena, with a temporary exhibition to debut at the Museum of Surrey in Cloverdale in spring 2026.
Recognizing Sporting Excellence
The Hall aims to celebrate “the city’s rich and diverse sporting history” by recognizing individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to sports in Surrey. According to the city’s August 14 news release, categories include Athlete, High Performance Athlete, Builder, Coach, Team, and Game Changer, along with a Community Hero Award.
Submission Timeline and Process
Nominations are open now and must be submitted by December 31, 2025, through surrey.ca/sportshall. The city is also seeking volunteers for an advisory board to guide the project. Submissions will be reviewed by an independent committee, and inductees will be celebrated each June.
Sporting Figures in the Spotlight
Potential candidates for nomination include Olympic long-jumper Christabel Nettey, professional wrestler John Tenta, softball star Sara Groenewegen, two-time Stanley Cup champion Colin Fraser, and MMA fighter Jeremy Kennedy. The list reflects Surrey’s breadth of sporting talent at local, national, and international levels.
A Project Years in the Making
Plans for a sports hall have circulated since 2019, when the concept was first raised at Surrey’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Committee. A virtual museum was proposed in 2021, and in 2023, Ironman marathoner and Downtown Surrey BIA CEO Elizabeth Model renewed efforts to secure a permanent location in Surrey City Centre.
Community Support and Vision
The Hall’s creation follows significant public engagement, with over 1,000 survey responses helping shape its vision. Mayor Brenda Locke called the nomination period “an exciting moment for Surrey” and encouraged residents to “take part in celebrating the people who’ve helped shape our sporting story.”
