Ontario Sport Legends Hall of Fame

Exciting times as 5 greats to be inducted for 2010. Dave Keon, George Armstrong, Bobby Baun, Howie Meeker, and Dr. Ron Taylor.

TORONTO, July 26 /CNW/ - These five (5) great Ontario athletes will be inducted at a Gala Event Thursday, September 9, at the Atlantis Restaurant and Performing Arts Theatre at Ontario Place.

Past elected members of the Ontario Sport Legends Hall of Fame in attendance will be:

Johnny Bower, George Chuvalo, Russ Jackson, Ferguson Jenkins, Red Kelly, Gary Cowan, Bill Crothers, Sandra Post, Brian McFarlane, Cindy Nicholas, Marlene Stewart Streit, and other surprise guests, video presentations, and celebrity MC's.

Also, this year's event will see the inaugural presentation of the:

Sandy Hawley Award, given to a sports connected personality dedicated to community service. The recipient to be announced shortly.

David Willmot, Chairman Woodbine Entertainment Group:

"is honoured to serve as the 2010 Honourary Chairman, and is particularly honoured to announce the inaugural Sandy Hawley Award, two time winner of the Lou Marsh Trophy, will be presented this year, to an outstanding Ontarian for service to the community. The induction dinner promises to be an exciting event, with the Inductees, past Inductees, and other award winners."

The 2010 Syl Apps Award winner, Daniel Nestor, as "Ontario Athlete of the Year for 2009", is hopefully to be in attendance.

As part of the gala event, Rick Sonata and his Sinatra style showcase, will pay musical tribute to the Inductees.

Being honoured are two former Toronto Maple Leaf Captains, George Armstrong (13 year Leafs Captain and Toronto Coach, 1988-9) and Dave Keon, (NHL rookie of the year, 1960) are joined by two other Leafs, defenseman Bobby Baun, (he of the famous 'broken leg' goal), and Howie Meeker, (NHL rookie of the year 1947, Toronto Coach 1961 and TV broadcaster in retirement;) and Toronto Blue Jays Doctor, Ron Taylor, a premier MLB relief pitcher with two World Series rings, in the 1960's.

Keon, from his home in Florida, said;

"I feel privileged to be inducted into the Ontario Sport Legends Hall of Fame and am especially honored to do so with such an illustrious group".

Said Meeker;

" its truly an honour to be elected to the Ontario Sport Legends Hall of Fame, and a thrill to be going in with Leaf greats Armstrong, Keon and Bobby Baun, as well as a terrific baseball guy Ron Taylor. Give my thanks to the selection committee and I am looking forward to the Induction Event in Toronto in the fall."

Dr. Ron Taylor, long time Toronto Blue Jays Doctor, a former pitcher with 2 world series rings, the 1969 "miracle" Mets, and the 1964 St. Louis Cardinals. Ron has an outstanding ERA of .000 in both of the world series.

Taylor, from his office mused:

" I wish I could have skated better, but I'm very impressed going into the Hall of Fame with 4 great hockey people."

Bobby Baun, was excited to be elected, but "really doesn't think he is a legend", but all Leaf fans know different.

George Armstrong is trying to "quietly hide from the limelight", but all his fans and hockey people know of no-one more deserving of such an honour.

For further information: Contact information re: the event and the Ontario Sport Legends Hall of Fame: Bruce Prentice, Chairman OSLHF, [email protected], tel: [phone], www.ontariosportlegendshof.com