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The Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame revealed its 2025 class of inductees during a city council meeting on Tuesday evening. This year’s honors recognize two distinguished athletes along with four notable builders who have made substantial contributions to the sporting community.
Notable among the inductees is Simon Whitfield, a prominent triathlete known for his Olympic success, having secured both gold and silver medals. He also boasts an impressive record of winning a dozen Canadian triathlon championships and 14 events on the World Cup circuit. Whitfield, who is already celebrated in the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, continues to be a significant figure in the world of triathlons.
Joining the ranks is Pat O’Brien, a legendary figure in dirt racing, whose illustrious career spans three decades. With an impressive tally of 22 track championships and four prestigious Mr. Dirt titles, O’Brien stands out as one of only four Canadians inducted into the Dirt Racing Hall of Fame.
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Also acknowledged was Jim Hulton, who has dedicated a decade to coaching and managing the Charlottetown Islanders. With experience in over 1,000 CHL games under his belt, Hulton was recognized as the CHL Coach of the Year in 2022 and played a key role in securing a gold medal with Canada’s world junior team in 2005.
Randy Stewart, a veteran minor hockey coach, was also inducted after leading Kingston Township Minor Hockey for over 1,000 games and participating in several international tournaments held in Europe.
Victor Mendes, a two-time Ontario scoring champion during his playing days, has been at the helm of RMC’s soccer team since 1999. He has also contributed to Canada’s national team as a video analyst, emphasizing his impact on both local and national levels.
Furthermore, Ken Thompson, an organizer in the curling community and a former Ontario Silver Tankard champion, has devoted more than 50 years to the sport. His efforts have been instrumental in organizing major events, including the 2020 Brier, and he has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Curling Hall of Fame.
The formal induction ceremony celebrating this year’s inductees is scheduled to take place later in the year, providing an opportunity for the community to honor these remarkable individuals for their contributions to sports.
Source
globalnews.ca