Erin Stankewich poised to lead SSHF into the future as the new Executive Director

The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF) is pleased and excited to announce that Erin Stankewich is the new Executive Director of the Hall of Fame.

Stankewich began her tenure with the SSHF on July 17 and brings with her a wealth of experience in progressive leadership roles. She has a strong set of skills related to strategic planning, brand development, funding negotiation, creative direction, graphic design, and building collaborative partnerships.

With her rich skillset and passion for collaboration and development, the Board of Directors of the SSHF feels she is the ideal person to lead the SSHF forward into the future.

“Erin brings with her a unique set of experience and passion, which is perfect for the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame,” said Trent Blezy, Chair of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. “She carries with her an incredible desire for sport and community. Under Erin’s leadership, we are confident she can grow our organization into the next stage of the Hall’s storied history.”

In her most recent job, Stankewich served as the Director, Business Development for the Regina Hotel Association. One of her key responsibilities was to work with community partners in a collaborative manner to identify and bid on national and international sport and business events. In her time in the role, Regina successfully won the right to host the 2024 Brier, the recent 15U Girls Volleyball Canada Nationals, and the upcoming 2023 Little League Baseball Nationals and Baseball Canada Cup along with many other events. Stankewich has proven experience in marketing Regina and Saskatchewan, as a premier sport and tourism destination on the national and international stage. Previous to assuming that role with the Hotel Association, she worked in sponsorship investment for the same organization which will benefit the SSHF.

Born in Moose Jaw, Stankewich received a Diploma in Communications Arts from Lethbridge College and later completed a Bachelor of Applied Arts from Medicine Hat College. Upon graduation, she began her career in Regina advertising agencies first as a graphic designer, then transitioning into client-facing account management roles.

Stankewich is passionate about building healthy and inclusive communities and volunteers her time towards these values. She is currently the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for the Queen City Marathon and previously served on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Saskatchewan for three years.

Stankewich was hired after an extensive search and hiring process led by Leadership Source of Regina and the SSHF Hiring Committee.

She takes over from Sheila Kelly who served as the Hall of Fame’s Executive Director for 34 years with great distinction before taking a medical leave in March of 2023 which concluded her tenure with the SSHF.

Sensory backpacks available for use at SSHF

The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF) is excited to be part of a new program from Variety – the Children’s Charity.

They have provided the SSHF with two sensory backpacks which support families who have children living with sensory processing disabilities (i.e. autism). The backpacks feature a set of noise-reducing headphones, a weighted stuffed animal/blanket, tactile toys, and books. These items give kids a toolkit of resources to pull from while out in the community.

Both backpacks are available to be signed out by visitors to use during their visit to the Hall of Fame before returning them at the conclusion of their visit. All of the items will be sanitized after use so they are ready to be used again safely in the future.

Variety – the Children’s Charity began their sensory backpack program in the fall of 2020 in Calgary and the SSHF is very pleased to be part of this initiative.

SSHF seeking passionate volunteers

Do you get caught up in the excitement of the Olympics or a World Cup? Cheering on Canada, Saskatchewan, or the Roughriders? Maybe it’s a child’s activities or whatever seasonal sport is available for viewing. Sport, whether as a spectator or a participant, generates a lot of excitement and emotion.

Since 1966, the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF) has played an instrumental role in preserving, recognizing and educating the public on the tremendous sports heritage of our province. We are privileged to be able to share the stories – the thrill of victory, the disappointment of defeat, and the pride associated with these accomplishments – with Saskatchewan residents and visitors alike. We strive to bring history alive.

The SSHF is looking for some individuals across the province who share our passion for sport, past and present, who are looking for an engaging volunteer experience, and are keen to contribute and serve. Our operations support a variety of opportunities and we are currently recruiting volunteers for committees, programming initiatives, and the Board of Directors.

The SSHF is committed to providing the people of Saskatchewan a self-sustaining, dynamic attraction designed to preserve, interpret, recognize and honour the diverse sport history of the province. If the opportunity to get involved appeals to you please indicate your interest in serving and the Governance Committee will be in touch to continue the dialogue.

Our volunteer enrollment form is available here. Please email us at [email protected] or telephone 306-780-9232 to express your interest.

Saskatchewan Olympian panel video now online

The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF) and the Regina Public Library (RPL) presented an evening with a pair of Saskatchewan Olympians on July 20, 2021.

Justin Abdou and Lyndon Rush joined us to share their Olympic journey and how they overcame adversity to succeed in their sport. Both Olympians are members of the SSHF’s 2021 Induction Class.

The full video of the conversation – co-hosted by SSHF Education Coordinator Vickie Krauss and Amy Butcher, a Community Librarian with the RPL – is available below.

New bylaws and Board members approved at Annual and Special Meeting

The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame held its Annual and Special Meeting on Thursday, May 27.

At the meeting, the proposed bylaw amendments all passed. With those bylaw revisions comes a change in title for some members of the Board of Directors. The Officers of the Hall now consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Past Chair.

Minutes from the 2021 Annual and Special Meeting are available here.

Two directors were elected at the Annual and Special Meeting. Kelvin Ostapowich was re-elected to a second, three-year term, while Tim Leier was elected to his first, three-year term.

Ostapowich works in the wealth management sector as a Portfolio Manager with CIBC Wood Gundy. He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1986 Regina Rams football team. He serves as board member with the Rams.

Leier is a Senior Financial Planner as a partner with Brian Mallard & Associates in Saskatoon. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the 1983 University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey team. He has previous volunteer experience including the Canadian Pension Benefits, Sask Sport, and the USask Huskies Athletic Endowment Committee.

The 2021-22 Board of Directors

OFFICERS OF THE HALL

Chair– Robb Elchuk (Regina)

Vice Chair – Trent Blezy (Regina)

Treasurer – Mike Babcock (Regina)

Past Chair – Rankin Jaworski (Regina)

DIRECTORS

Samer Awadh (Regina)

Laurel Garven (Regina)

Tennille Grimeau (Saskatoon)

Tim Leier (Saskatoon)

Kelvin Ostapowich (Regina)

 

SSHF memberships make a unique gift

If you are looking for a unique gift for the sports lover or history buff on your Christmas list, we might have just what you’re looking for. A membership to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame is a great way to stay informed about our exhibits and programming. Your support allows us to continue the work of celebrating and preserving Saskatchewan’s rich sport heritage.

Education Coordinator Vickie Krauss hosts a virtual field trip with three classrooms.

In the past year, our generous supporters, partners, and sponsors have allowed us to renovate our exhibit galleries. Our Hall of Fame gallery features new displays of our inductees, while our STEM Gallery sponsored by SaskTel brings the role of science, technology, engineering, and math to life for students and young visitors through interactive displays. These improvements would not be possible without the support of our members. We have also been able to offer our Creating Active Champions program, virtual field trips with schools, a virtual pen pal program connecting our inductees with schools and students, and our Women in Sport panel discussions.

With your continued support, we are excited to offer a new virtual tour experience of our latest exhibit, Prairie Pride: A History of Saskatchewan Football. In addition, in the coming year we are looking to digitize some of our collection of 35mm film prints of vintage Saskatchewan Roughrider and Canadian Football League footage so that it will be more accessible for us to share with the public. Your membership helps make these projects – and many more – a reality.

Local delivery in Regina of a membership certificate is available up until December 18 for Christmas gifting. Any membership purchased before December 31, 2020 is 100% tax-deductible on your 2020 tax return.

Kid’s Corner educational resources

Welcome to our Kid’s Corner educational resource.

Here you will find sports-themed word searches, colouring pages, math games, and puzzles for younger students. We also have some crossword puzzles and our Create Your Own Hockey Team game for older students.

We hope to add more content geared towards our younger sports enthusiasts and when we do we will add them to this page.

New board elected for Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame

 The membership of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF) approved a new Board of Directors during the SSHF’s 2019-20 Annual General Meeting.

 

Following the meeting, Robb Elchuk began his term as SSHF President. Rankin Jaworski now moves into the non-elected position of Past President following his two terms as President.

 

Kevin Dureau assumes the role of Vice President, while Mike Babcock remains Treasurer and will also serve as Secretary.

 

Trent Blezy was elected to his first term on the Board, while Samer Awadh and Laurel Garven were each re-elected to another term.

 

Trent was born and raised in the southeastern part of the province and lives in White City. He works with the Ministry of Energy and Resources for the Government of Saskatchewan.  

 

As a volunteer, Trent has worked in fundraising capacities to support the Saskatchewan Children’s Hospital Foundation and has held several positions with various Constituency Associations through the Conservative Party and the Saskatchewan Party. 

 

Sports have always been and always will be a part of Trent’s life. He believes sports have a tremendous ability to bring people together, evoking an emotional response in people unlike other activities can. He looks forward to the opportunity of being a part of an organization involved with and celebrating those who elicit that emotional connection.

 

Linda Burnham, a two-time SSHF Inductee herself, is stepping off the board after three elected terms and two more years as Past President. Don Gallo and Nathan Morrison both completed their second term on the board and did not stand for re-election.

Minutes from the SSHF’s 2019-20 Annual General Meeting are available here.

 

The 2020-21 SSHF Board of Directors:

 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President – Robb Elchuk (Regina)

Vice President – Kevin Dureau (Regina)

Treasurer – Mike Babcock (Regina)

Secretary – Mike Babcock (Regina)

Past President – Rankin Jaworski (Regina)

 

DIRECTORS

Samer Awadh (Regina)

Trent Blezy (White City)

Lori Ebbesen (Saskatoon)

Laurel Garven (Regina)

Tennille Grimeau (Saskatoon)

Kelvin Ostapowich (Regina)

Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame moves 2020 Induction to 2021

The Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF) has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Induction Dinner & Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2020, due to health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Induction Class will be carried forward as the Class of 2021. Their induction is now scheduled to occur in September 2021.

The SSHF has been closely monitoring developments since social distancing protocols were put in place by the Government of Saskatchewan in March. The health and welfare of our inductees, their families and friends, patrons, staff, volunteers and suppliers remains front of mind. Given the continued uncertainty relating to when groups could gather safely and without restriction, the SSHF and its Board of Directors felt this cancelation was the most prudent course of action.

In arriving at this decision serious consideration was given to other creative means to honour our 2020 Class virtually to adhere to social distancing measures. Ultimately, the decision to cancel was made based on our concern for what would be best for our inductees. By delaying a year, the SSHF wanted to ensure that their induction night would be an opportunity to come together with family, friends, teammates and the Saskatchewan sporting community to celebrate their accomplishments.

In addition to moving the Class of 2020 forward, any nominees still under consideration will retain an extra year of eligibility. Our nomination deadline is October 31, 2021 and we encourage anyone who has an athlete, team or builder that they feel is worthy of inclusion in the Hall of Fame to please take the time to nominate them.

The Class of 2021 will be unveiled at a later date.

2019 Annual General Meeting notice

On behalf of Rankin Jaworski, President of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, this post serves as an official notice of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame which will be held at the following date and time:

 

Date: Thursday, May 28, 2020

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: via conference call

 

The agenda will include Annual Reports, presentation of Financial Statements, appointment of the auditor for 2020/21 and reports on the election of Board Directors.

 

The 2019 Annual Report and the 2019/20 Financial Statements are posted on our website and available for review.

 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing mandates from the Province of Saskatchewan, the AGM will be held via conference call. Please fill out this registration form to receive your access credentials for the meeting.

 

All members of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in good standing are welcome to virtually attend and vote during the AGM.

 

If you have questions, please contact the Hall of Fame at 306-780-9232 or email sshfm@sasktel.net

2019 Summer Programming

2019 Summer Programming
Creating Active Champions

Want something to do with your children this summer? Want to learn more about your favourite Saskatchewan Sports legends? For the cost of $1 per person you and your children will get a tour of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, activities on our multisport simulator, adaptive curling rink, and outdoor games in Victoria Park. Plus, each participant will leave the program with an awesome surprise to help them remain active champions!

* Some restrictions apply. See below for full details.

NEW for 2019!

Monday – Friday:
For individuals and groups ages 4-12
Up to 30 participants per time slot
9:30-11 a.m.
1:30-3 p.m.

Programming runs from July 2 to August 16, 2019

Cost is $1 per person.  For ages 4-12, maximum 30 children per time slot
Adult chaperones must be present at all times

All individuals and groups must pre-register

To register please contact:

Vickie Krauss
(306) 780-9232
[email protected]

 

A special thank you to our sponsor:

 

 

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

  • Outside activities will only proceed weather permitting. During inclement weather, all activities will take place inside the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF).
  • All group leaders/parents/guardians/chaperones must ensure the child is dressed for the weather and outfitted with sunscreen, bug spray and water bottles. Refillable water bottles are fine as we do have a water fountain available in the building.
  • Drawstring backpack’s are available while quantities last and only on first visit. Everyone will still receive a gift to help them remain active champions.
  • An adult chaperone must be present at all times with groups and individuals. We encourage their participation as well!
  • Programming fee for groups can be paid by cash, cheque or credit card. We do not have debit available at the location. Individual programming fee (i.e. $1) must be paid in cash.
  • The SSHF reserves the right to cancel the program session if a minimum of 5 participants are not enrolled.
  • Pre-registraton must occur a minimum 24 hours in advance while programming space remains available.

News Update: Staff Changes

Announcing our New Curator

Having received 17 curator applications from across Canada and 2 from Europe, we ended up finding our successful candidate pretty close to home.  Effective April 1st Bryann Seib will take over the position of curator.

Involved with the SSHF since 2017, Bryann continually impressed the interview committee by outperforming the other short-listed candidates through a multi-interview and candidate assignment process.

Bryann’s education includes a BA in Humanities from Briercrest College, alongside courses in support of the Certificate in Community Museums Studies (in progress) through the Museums Association of Saskatchewan.  She will be continuing her education in a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma program in Heritage Resources Management which transfers directly into a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies while she works at the SSHF.

While familiar with some facets of the SSHF already (such as being team leader for our mobile traveling exhibit tour and several outreach exhibit projects), Bryann still has a lot to learn about the SSHF operations and our 16,000 item collection.  She is definitely up to the challenge!

Welcome to the team, Bryann!

 

Autumn McDowell is Moving On

It is with regret that we announce the pending departure of our Communications Coordinator, Autumn McDowell, on March 22.

Autumn’s next adventure will begin at Evraz Place where she has accepted the position of Marketing & Communication Strategist.  Autumn joined the SSHF in July 2015 and has been an integral part of our growing provincial awareness including the 50th Anniversary celebrations, being named Tourism Saskatchewan’s 2016 Business of the Year (Under 20 Full Time Employees), and the development of our partnership with Global Television (Regina & Saskatoon). The attention paid to our website and social media platforms during her tenure ensures that Autumn has left a strong communications portfolio for her successor to step into.

The board and staff join together in wishing Autumn all the best in her new career and look forward to her continued engagement with the SSHF through social media.

 

Membership Reminder

A Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF) membership is a great way to get connected and stay informed about exhibits and special event programs. Becoming a member helps to support the celebration and preservation of Saskatchewan’s sport heritage.

Choose the membership type that is right for you

  • Individual $35
  • Family $50
  • Provincial Sport Governing Body $60
  • Corporate $100

For a complete list of member benefits, please visit our website.

 

Save the Date

May 9 – Whisky Night hosted at Crave Kitchen & Wine Bar, Regina.  Tickets go on sale April 1st.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Part-Time Assistants

The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF) is looking for Part-time Assistants

This opportunity includes the following responsibilities:

Opening & Closing procedures for the Hall of Fame exhibit galleries on weekends for regular operating hours, and on a casual basis for after hour special event bookings including, but not limited to:

  • Assisting with the delivery of SSHF guest services
  • Supervising the multi-sport simulator and adaptive curling interactives
  • Assisting with some curatorial activities based on training
  • Assisting with the development and delivery of SSHF education & special event programming (in house and outreach), including setup and cleanup, as required
  • Light Housekeeping

This position is perfect for individuals looking for casual and/or
regular part-time employment

We are looking for team members who have:

  • Interest in, and knowledge of, Saskatchewan sport
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong inter-personal skills
  • Reached 18 years of age or older

The new members of our team will work with us at the Hall of Fame, located at 2205 Victoria Avenue, right here in Regina or at outreach locations throughout the city.

The position comes with salary of $12.00/hr. Not to mention all the great experience you will get working with one of Saskatchewan’s most interesting historic attractions.

If this sounds like you, please submit a resume, along with cover letter to:

Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame
Attn: Executive Director
2205 Victoria Avenue
Regina, SK  S4P 0S4

Resumes with covering letter may also be submitted via email to [email protected]

Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2019

For additional information:

Sheila Kelly, Executive Director
306-780-9232

THANK YOU: 2018 Induction

Induction 2018 was a great success thanks to our sponsors, the Class of 2018, our volunteers and the many parade inductees who joined us for the celebrations. Events got underway with numerous family members, friends and media joining us Saturday afternoon at the SSHF for the Inductee Open House. This was an opportunity to grab a few autographs, check out the individual exhibits within Dedication to Sport, and visit with those about to enter the Hall of Fame.

Our formal induction celebrations were hosted at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, SK as we recognized the contributions and achievements of the Class of 2018 comprising: Kimberly Bergey Kaip (Judo & Wrestling), Lisa Franks (Athletics & Basketball), Johannes “Johnny” Gottselig (Hockey), Robert “Bob” Haver (Rowing), Richard Melville “Dick” Nash (Rodeo), David Pagan (Baseball), and the 1984 Randy Woytowich Mixed Curling Team. To each of the inductees we extend a heartfelt thank you for the privilege of working with you over the past few months. We certainly look forward to having you as part of the Hall of Fame family.

Special thanks are also extended to our Master of Ceremonies, Carlyle Fiset from Global Regina and Saskatoon, who also had the task of moderating a hotstove panel featuring four members of our new Induction Class. This was an opportunity for everyone in attendance to get to know our new inductees a little better, and it turned out to be a highlight of the evening! Thank you as well to all of our sponsors who helped to ensure that the induction events were a great success.

Access Communications
Pro AV
Fire Cube Video
Signature Print-It
Molson Coors
Hotel Saskatchewan
Barker’s Trophies Awards & Gifts
Bruce Vasselin/Designer Photo
Images on Ice
sharpshooter photography
Barb’s Badges
Conexus Arts Centre
T.G. Marketing

Finally, thank you to everyone who helped to make the 2018 Induction Weekend a success. We look forward to another fantastic year ahead.

 

*Event photographs coming soon!

Get Your Raffle Tickets Today!

Don’t miss your chance to win these fantastic prizes!

1ST PRIZE: Jewelry designed by Olson Goldsmiths
– approximate value $1,000
Sponsored by Olson Goldsmiths
* Pictured below

2nd Prize: Private Wine & Cheese Reception for 20
at the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame
– featuring wine from Over The Hill Orchards and Winery
– approximate value $600

3rd Prize: Regina Pats Game Day Package
(6 tickets & food package)
*some restrictions may apply – approximate value $300
Sponsored by Western Pizza South Albert & Glencairn restaurants

4TH Prize: Saskatchewan Roughriders Game Day Package
(4 sideline passes & 4 game tickets for Saturday, October 27, 2018)
– approximate value $200
Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Roughriders

Draw date: September 29, 2018

Tickets are $5 each.

Please visit the SSHF, 2205 Victoria Avenue, to purchase your tickets.
Any remaining tickets will be available for sale at the Induction Dinner.
*CASH preferred* Only 600 printed so get yours now!!