Never Give Up – Regina

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Last week I had the privilege of attending one of the most heartfelt, emotionally charged and inspiring events I have ever been a part of. It was the Regina portion of the “Never Give Up” tour, which is put on by The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame with help from our friends at SaskEnergy. It featured stories from two individuals whose lives and careers have been full of action, excitement and life lessons like few others, even in a sporting world where incredible stories seem to be commonplace.

The event started with a couple of great introductions, which gave our elementary school audience a premise for the almost unbelievable tales they were about to hear. First up was Regina-born Kia Byers, who has accomplished more in less than three decades than most would hope to in an entire lifetime.

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Her story is one of dedication and success which was driven by her motivation to achieve a number of goals and supported by a loving family, great coaches and teammates and an entire country behind her as she worked day in and day out for nearly fourteen years to get where she is today.

Along her path there were numerous setbacks, from injuries, to losses, to near misses that may have forced a lesser-driven athlete to abandon their dreams all together. Instead, Kia used them as fuel to pull herself off the proverbial mat and continue pushing forward, willing herself to never give up.

As she grew somewhat older and in the process wiser, Kia found a way to quantify her progression and accomplishments, which would not only help her stay the course, but also feel rewarded on her way to achieving her long-term goals.

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She spoke to our young audience about the importance of setting targets for yourself, not only on a grandiose scale like she had with the Olympic Games, but also taking smaller steps along the way like giving yourself personal bests for the sport or activity you are participating in.

Perhaps more importantly however, Kia talked about how her journey has shown her that being a top-level athlete is not the most paramount thing in life. When something like an injury happens, even the most accomplished in a sport are forced to look at life outside of competition and this lead Kia to reflect on herself and refocus on becoming “The best Kia” she could be.

Our second speaker, who throughout his life has been of the mindset that a solid background in sport and athletics should merely serve as a platform to create an outstanding individual, later reiterated this lesson.

This was especially touching in Kia’s case because, while she is no longer actively in the sport of Sprint Kayaking competitively, she is about to embark on her most rewarding journey to date as an expectant mother. With these unforgettable lessons and experiences under her belt, there was not a single doubt in the entire audience that both the young mom and her child will continue to set a great example of how sport can help to mold incredible individuals who not only inspire us, but serve the world well in their daily lives.

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The second speaker who I mentioned above, has been the focus of the Never Give Up tour as his book of the same name has served as the focal point of previous presentations and continues to not only inspire the young audiences he addresses, but countless readers and adults he has spoken to over the years.

His name is Ted Jaleta and his accomplishments as a distance runner, which are quite impressive, continue to be overshadowed by his story of survival and the way he inspires hundreds of people to continue on in the face of adversity, even when the odds seem insurmountable against them.

Ted was born and raised in Ethiopia; where the hurdles he faced make most in our daily lives seem like mere speed bumps. While his mother and father had never been exposed to any level of education themselves, there was nothing more important in their eyes than for their son to have a chance for a better life; they saw this opportunity through education.

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Young Ted first found he was a gifted runner not through love for the sport, as he was unaware that even existed. Rather he honed his skills with the miles of running he had to do each day in order to get to and from school. For Ted running was a means of daily transportation before it was ever a means to see the world through competition of any sort. If you were to ask him nearly fifty years ago a younger Jaleta had aspirations of a World Cup soccer title and none of international road racing success.

While his skill as a runner maybe have come by accident, it did lead Ted to national level success and even saw him groomed as a potential Olympian who might one day represent his country on the world’s biggest stage.

After years of struggling to attain an education while growing as a racer, Ted was faced with more adversity as he attempted to pursue post secondary knowledge. During this time, Ted was persecuted within his nation and forced to flee and hide just to survive.

After spending time literally on the run and seeking refuge at a camp in Kenya, Mr. Jaleta was fortunate enough to be sponsored by the Canadian government and find a new home here in Regina, where he has resided since 1982.

In the years since arriving here, he has once again overcome struggle. This time it was not survival that he was worried about but rather, fitting in and making a life for himself in a city, and country which he knew next to nothing about.

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Like Kia however, strong life lessons had been learned along his journey and he used the knowledge he had gained over the years to persevere and strive unwaveringly for as long as he needed to see his dreams become a reality.

Ted is now happily married with a beautiful family and spends his time working and speaking with the youth of the community, looking only to give them the same incredible opportunities he has been able to take advantage of. He still runs of course, only it is no longer with the same consequence it once was, nor as Ted will tell you, with the same speed.

At the end of the day, the curious young minds that filled the auditorium where filled with many new thoughts, questions and of course the important knowledge and inspiration they need so that when life deals them a set back, they too will find a way to never give up.

Thanks again to our presenting sponsor, SaskEnergy, as well as The Regina Performing Arts Center for the amazing opportunity to hear these two incredible stories told. I would like to invite all of you to take some time and find out a little more about Kia and Ted, as the few words I have written here simply do not do them justice.

Read more about Kia Byers at her website – www.kiabyers.com

Find more on Ted Jaleta via his online resource – www.tedjaleta.com
as well as right here at The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame on:
Ted Jaleta’s Inductee Profile Page.

Past President’s Luncheon

This past Tuesday we had the privilege of hosting a number of our past presidents in the first of what will become a regular event. These individuals have seen the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame (SSHF) through many important milestones over our 47 year history.  The meeting was an opportunity to share the vision of the current Board of Directors, receive feedback about this direction, and encourage the continued involvement of everyone in the SSHF’s operations.

What an opportunity!  While still very committed to the SSHF, it’s a rare day – if ever – that we have been able to get all of these individuals in the same room at the same time.  Such camaraderie and shared vision was immediately evident, and all still hold that shared passion for the SSHF.  Over lunch the future direction of the SSHF was discussed and critiqued, resulting in the knowledge that our future can be very bright.

Included in this post is a photo of the SSHF presidents and a recap of when each of them were at the helm of one of the most storied pieces of Saskatchewan sports history.

We would like to thank each and every one of the individuals who were able to take time out of their busy schedules to be a part of this and we look forward to seeing more of them in the future.

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From left to right: Back Row: Alan Ford (2007), Cas Pielak (2000), Robert Millar (2004)
Front Row: George Reed (1980-1984), Marlene Hoffman (1999), Hugh Vassos (2011 – Current), Barry Taman (2006), Craig Adam (2008), Paul Spasoff (2009,2010)

Regular Hours Are Back

In case you missed it on our Facebook and Twitter pages, we closed our doors last week to update our exhibits with new and exciting displays that are full of great information that will keep you busy for hours inside the hall. After our December exhibits were so well received we knew that what came next had to be something that was unique and would truly capture the spirit of sport in this province.

If you don’t play hockey, what do people do in Saskatchewan in the winter? Curling, Broomball, Ringette, Skating, Skiing, and Snowshoeing are just some of the sports that come to mind and will be featured in the exhibit with artifacts from the permanent collection. Also on display will be a mini-exhibit focusing on Old Timers Hockey.

Now that the exhibits have been changed over and “Winter In Saskatchewan” is ready for viewing we are happy to announce that our regular viewing hours are back and that means there are plenty of chances for you to come see everything that is new in the gallery. If you were curious as to what these regular hours are, The Saskatchewan Sports Hall Of Fame is opening for viewing from 9am-5pm every Monday to Friday. If you have any questions about this, or any other happenings at the hall you can also feel free to contact us at (306) 780-9232.

See you soon!

Kaylyn Kyle Appearance : Video Recap

It has been a busy couple of months for Kaylyn Kyle since returning from the London Olympics where she helped her team and our country capture a bronze medal; our first medal of any color in the history of the sport. It has been a whirlwind not only in terms of the demands on her time, as media outlets, fans and sponsors all want a piece of her but also emotionally as she has admittedly had little time to allow what has happened to really sink in.

She has however had a few fleeting moments where should let her guard down, be herself and truly enjoy life after the games, and many of those moments have come at home back here in Saskatchewan. Between appearances all over the country and abroad with trips back and forth from here to Los Angeles becoming common, Kaylyn has said that spending time with family and friends has been the best way to enjoy the success she has seen.

Recently she stopped by the Hall of Fame to sign autographs and take photos with fans on a grassroots level, many of whom play in the very same programs as Kaylyn did growing up. It was interesting to see how the star athlete interacted with fans in Regina and it was also great to see just how much everyone involved really did enjoy the experience.

The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame was able to have a couple of cameras on hand for the event, and in the process captured some hands on footage of what the day was really all about for Kaylyn and her fans alike. Enjoy the video as we take look back on the morning of October 20th, when fans from across southern Saskatchewan came together to honor one of our great young athletes. Also be on the lookout for more great events and content to come from the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.

Remembrance Day : Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day is a time each year when we pause to reflect and honor those who have served our country, and those who continue to on a daily basis. It is a day that reflects only a small portion of appreciation for the freedom we enjoy as a result of the sacrifice of a brave and dedicated few.

They gave up time in their lives, away from family, friends and home fighting for country with some making the ultimate sacrifice. The reasons why they chose to fight are obvious in that they believe the preservation of our freedoms is paramount and are willing to do whatever it takes to see that they remain intact.

At the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame we honor those who are considered heroes in the realm of sport, but at the same time we realize that this is one of the many things we are privileged to have. Without the dedication and work of these committed and courageous individuals the opportunities to enjoy these sports would potentially not exist. So it is with that in mind that we humbly offer what homage we can to the people who make life as we know it possible.

There exists a list of individuals who not only served their country in the form of our armed forces, but who also contributed to the progression of sports on an elite level. Their skill sets are among the best in history as their physical and mental talents helped raise their respected arenas to the level they are enjoying today. Without these remarkable names it would be impossible to be where we are at.

So with that in mind, here is a small token of our appreciation. A list which recognizes the people who help build both sport as well as this country. Let us take a moment to remember their contributions to both, and honor everything they have done for us.

The SSHF wants to give everyone the chance to see our new exhibit, “Those Who Served: Sportsmen in Our Armed Forces”, so we are offering FREE admission on November 11 & 12. Stop by the Hall from 12-5 each day and celebrate our 81 inductees who have also served in uniform.

-Lest we forget.

Abbot Edward Captain Hockey
Adams Robert Athletics
Archer Sandy Football
Arn Bob Dr. Football
Audette Julien Soaring
Austman Joseph Rifle Shooting
Bailey Harry Swimming
Bath Leonard General
Boesch Garth Hockey
Bower Johnny Hockey
Bricker Calvin Athletics
Charlton Ken Football
Cote Tony Multi Sport
Creswell Aurthur Austin LT Hockey
Decoteau Alex Athletics
Dojack Paul Football
Ebbels Bill Tennis
Eichel Aston Boxing
Elliot Eldon Broadcasting
Forsyth William Athletics
Foster Frank Hockey
Fowler Norman “Heck” Hockey
Germann Frank Hockey
Girgulis James Harry Shooting
Glasser Anton Bowling
Glover Stanley Athletics
Grassick Gordon “Greg” Football
Greyeyes David Soccer
Griffiths Joe Athletics
Griston William “Bill” CPL Hockey
Gutheridge Stanley ‘Hub’ Basketball
Harrison Stanley Captain Equestrian
Herlen Ernest ‘Ossie’ Boxing
Hill Alfred Curling
Howes Rollin Henry “Roly” General
Hunter William ‘Bill’ Hockey
Irvin Dick Sr. Hockey
Juckes Gordon Hockey
Kartusch Mike Hockey
Kirkpatrick J.B. ‘Kirk’ Tennis
Knutson Art Curling
Landa Sam Dr. Sport Medicine
Leddy Jack Dr. Golf
Leicester John Dr. Tennis
Livingstone R.C. ‘Scotty’ Football
Lynn Victor Hockey
Maddia Jack Hockey
McCool Charles Hockey
McCulloch Frederick Hockey
McCutcheon Robert Hockey
McNab Ernie Group Captain Hockey
Melville Tom ‘Scotty’ General
Metz Don Hockey
Metz Nick Hockey
Mitchelmore Harold Athletics
Obodiac Stan Hockey
Otton Charles LT Hockey
Orban William ‘Bill’ Sport Medicine
Petit Claude Private Boxing
Prediger Peter Baseball
Pyle David Ironside Wrestling
Ramsay William Beatty Hockey
Rayner Chuck Hockey
Reid Robert ‘Bobby’ General
Reid Robert Dr. Golf
Ritchie Al Hockey/Football
Ross Tom Golf
Saunders Lloyd Media
Smith D’Arcy Hockey
Staniowski Ed Hockey
Stewart John ‘Jack’ General
Stinson Edgar ‘Wally’ General
Taylor Neil ‘Piffles’ Football
Thomson Earl Athletics
Van Impe Robert Softball
Ward George General
Warwick Claude Boxing
Watson Harold ‘Harry’ Hockey
Whittleton Alfred S. Hockey
Wilken H.J. “Pete” Curling
Wilson Fred Football

Kaylyn Kyle Autograph Signing At SSHOF : Presented By Mitchell Developments Ltd

As is the case with every Olympic Games our country partakes in, there was much accomplished with much left to be desired. One of the sports showcased at the games however seemed to be the perfect combination of both desire and accomplishment brought together in way that has brought pride to this country like few things before it.

When our Women’s Soccer team took to the pitch at the start of the games, little was known about how they would fair, yet expectation was high as they went into the London games as potentially the most skilled squad this country has ever assembled. Throughout the tournament there was controversy, struggle and success and through it all the team managed to maintain the composure and positive attitude that our entire nation has become famous for.

During the course of the games, stories began to unfold and the spotlight started to shine on a few of the team’s standouts from different parts of the country. One such standout just so happens to be Saskatchewan’s very own Kaylyn Kyle who, during this Olympics helped to place both Women’s soccer and this province on one of the highest stages it has ever seen.

As most people are now aware the team went on to capture a bronze medal, giving Canada it’s first ever podium finish in the sport. Since the closing of the games there has been a whirlwind of media attention surrounding not only Kaylyn, but the team in it’s entirety and upon returning home there has been little if anything to slow the momentum of anyone associated with this incredible accomplishment.

But Kaylyn, like most Canadian athletes, will never forget the people, or the place that helped her reach her goals and has been constantly giving back to the sporting community of Saskatchewan. Now in celebration of everything she has done, this rising star is being honored by the Saskatchewan Sports Hall Of Fame with an autograph signing and photo opportunity for friends and fans in the Regina area.

On October 20th, from 10AM to 12 Noon Kaylyn will be at the Hall, located at 2205 Victoria Ave, in Regina where she will be taking time to talk and sign autographs for everyone attending the event. There will also be a photographer on hand taking pictures at a cost of $5/each (cash only) for anyone who would like to mark this occasion with a personalized memento.

Come and go as you please from the event, and feel free to stay as long as you like to take in all the great information and history that The Saskatchewan Sports Hall Of Fame has to offer.

We would like to thank all of our amazing sponsors for this event, Signature Graphics, sharpshooter photography, Designer Photographic Technologies and our Presenting Sponsor Mitchell Developments Ltd. We would also like to thank the Saskatchewan Soccer Association as well as the Regina Soccer Association for their support, and look forward to seeing all of you on the 20th!

 

*photo credit : sharpshooter photography