Aurora Sports Hall of Fame unveiled its new Olympic-themed display on Friday in the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, ahead of the kickoff of Paris 2024 next week.
The “satellite display” case, featuring replica artifacts from several of the hall of fame’s past inductees, is the first outside the organization’s main home at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex.
Michelle Johnson, collections and exhibitions co-ordinator, said replica artifacts were favoured due to the display case’s location near the swimming pool in the leisure centre, with a mind to preserving the originals.
The display features several items, including a replica accreditation pass from the 2012 London Summer Olympics is on display, belonging to Reg Chappell.
There is also a replica of Jim Elder’s gold medal from the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics showcased, as well as a replica of the 2005 Vector cereal box featuring Olympic bronze medallist Mark Heese.
There is also a replica of Dan Thompson’s accreditation pass from the 1979 San Juan, Puerto Rico Pan American Games.
Hall of fame president Javed Khan said the display would help the organization “celebrate the rich history of sport excellence and culture in our community.”
“I’m really confident that the folks that come by here are going to get inspired by the information you can see and look at,” he said. “Let this moment remind us of the power of sport and the proof of inspiration, in sport, in our community.”
The display also features information about other past hall of fame inductees Cal Bouchard and Alan Dean.
Johnson said the displays, located in the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, at 135 Industrial Parkway North, will be updated at least twice a year.
