Dr. Frank Hayden, a Builder of Sport, is inducted in the Sport Hall of Fame

He had a simple vision. Sport can unlock potential. Potential in anyone.

On November 1, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will induct Dr. Frank Hayden into their hallowed shrines of sports excellence and achievement. As the country’s highest sporting honour, Dr. Frank Hayden as a sport “Builder” for his pioneer work with the Special Olympics movement.

His research into the effect of exercise on people with an intellectual disability concluded that given the chance, they could indeed become physically fit, and gain the skills necessary to participate in sport. His research was ground-breaking, disproving the prevailing beliefs of his time. His work came into attention of the Kennedy Foundation in 1965 where he worked alongside Eunice Kennedy Shriver to help create and grow Special Olympics.
 

"His vision is truly an example of sport transcending the playing field and making a difference in people's lives. The raw spirit of sport is reflected in these athletes," said Mark Tewksbury, a Canadian Olympic medalist and Special Olympics Canada Champion’s Network chair.

Canada's Sports Hall of Fame features more than 600 members with the inclusion of the class of 2016. Dr. Frank Hayden will be joined with six other outstanding sport members: Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Stephanie Dixon, Sue Holloway, Collen Jones, Annie Perreault, and Bryan Trottier, all we be recognized for their outstanding sports achievements as the Canada Hall of Fame Class of 2016.

Special Olympics Alberta would like to congratulate Dr. Frank Hayden for this well-deserved and earned distinction.

Without, Dr. Frank Hayden there would be no Special Olympics.  

Thank you for bringing this vision into reality to over 170 countries worldwide. We will strive to make Alberta an example of this great vision of the transcendence of sport. To watch the 2016 Induction Celebration, tune into Sportsnet One on November 14 at 5 p.m. MST.