CAF Sports Hall of Fame reopens in Edmonton

October 26, 2022 - Tim Bryant, Western Sentinel

In recognition of CAF Sports day on Oct. 20, the Edmonton Garrison Fitness Centre officially unveiled its new Canadian Armed Forces Sports Hall of Fame.

The new Hall of Fame is an interactive, digital screen that allows visitors to search for the member they want to view by name, date of induction or sport played. It replaces the former Hall of Fame plaques that had hung on the wall outside the fieldhouse.

On hand for the unveiling was Sergeant (Retired) George Rattai, who was inducted into the CAF Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 in recognition of his biathlon exploits. During his 34 years in the CAF, Rattai represented Canada at the 1968 Grenoble Olympics in the biathlon, as well as competed in the World Biathlon Championships in 1970 in Östersund, Sweden.

“It’s hard to compare one to the other,” he said when asked which was a bigger honour – being inducted into the Hall of Fame or competing at the Olympics.

“[The Olympics are] something that happened and it happens one at a time, then later on it’s almost like memories,” Rattai said. “[The Hall of Fame] is recognition for what you’ve accomplished [in] years gone by. It’s almost like building on your accomplishments; it’s encouraging and motivating.”

The CAF Sports Hall of Fame is the highest honour in the CAF Sports Awards Program, and it recognizes inductees for bringing fame to themselves and honour to the CAF through their contributions to sport.

Sport has a long history as a key military enabler, assisting with operational effectiveness, recruitment and retention efforts, as well as in global engagement. Away from strict military activities, sport has always played a significant role in the lives of our soldiers. When CAF members participate in sports, they develop core military attributes such as leadership skills, teamwork, discipline and esprit de corps.

Caption

Lieutenant‑Colonel Philip Paradis (centre right) prepares to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the new Canadian Armed Forces Sport Hall of Fame digital kiosk located at the Edmonton Garrison Fitness Centre on Oct. 20.

(L-R): Chief Warrant Officer Patrice Chartrand, 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (3 CDSG) Sergeant‑Major; Sergeant (Retired) George Rattai, 1999 Hall of Fame inductee; Lieutenant‑Colonel Philip Paradis, 3 CDSG Chief of Staff; and Alyson Hodgson, Personnel Support Programs Sports Co‑ordinator.

Photo by Robert Schwartz, 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Imaging

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