Richmond to celebrate new class of local sport icons


12 April 2022

The Richmond Sports Wall of Fame will have eight outstanding individuals, and two teams added to its prestigious group of inductees. These honourees have demonstrated extraordinary commitments and achievements in sport in the categories of Athlete, Builder, Coach, Official and Team, and will be inducted on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Gateway Theatre.

“The Richmond Sports Wall of Fame induction ceremony is a unique day that brings together Richmond sporting heroes, community members and their beloved guests, and we get to thank them for their remarkable careers at this special ceremony,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “These individuals and teams have shown us firsthand the power of sport and the important role sport can play in shaping our community. It is a great honour to recognize all their achievements.”

This will be the sixth Richmond Sports Wall of Fame induction ceremony after a two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic. This year’s 10 inductees join an esteemed group of 64 individuals and teams that represent the best Richmond has to offer.

The 2021 Richmond Sports Wall of Fame inductees are:

Athlete

  • Bernie Glier – Seven-year Canadian Football League (CFL) career and 1985 Grey Cup Champion with the BC Lions

Builder

  • Alan Sakai – Coach, instructor and director with the Steveston Judo Club for over five decades including competing in the 1972 Olympic Games

Coaches

  • Albert Nishi – 33 years of coaching numerous sports in Richmond
  • Mike Charlton – Coached several school sports over many years including winning multiple championships
  • Bill Haddow – Long-time high school and community football coach|
  • Bruce Haddow – Long-time high school and community football coach
  • Rick Yodogawa – Represented BC and Canada as athlete and coach for Judo

Official

  • Jim Kojima – Six-time Olympic official representing Canada at the world level along with decades of service to the Steveston Judo Club

    Teams
  • 1994-1999 Richmond Eagles Girls Field Hockey Team –“Six-time” Provincial Champions
  • 1975-1983 Richmond Superstars Girls Soccer Team –“Four-time” National Champions

The Richmond Sports Wall of Fame and accompanying digital kiosk are located at the Richmond Olympic Experience (ROX) at the Richmond Olympic Oval. The Wall of Fame is located in the lobby on the first floor, and the digital kiosk is on the second floor as part of the History of Sport in Richmond exhibit. Each inductee will have their name added to the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame, and the digital kiosk will highlight each inductee’s achievements through script, photos and videos. The Richmond Sports Wall of Fame and digital kiosk are free for public viewing year-round.

The Class of 2021 will be officially inducted into the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, during a ceremony at the Gateway Theatre. The induction ceremony is open to the public and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Provincial Health Orders no longer require mask wearing. However, the wearing of masks is encouraged in all City facilities. People are reminded to stay home if feeling sick.

For more information about the Richmond Sport Wall of Fame, visit www.richmond.ca/WallOfFame or email SportsWallOfFame@richmond.ca.