The Toronto Sport Hall of Honour celebrates the exceptional contributions and accomplishments of those who have inspired and/or brought recognition to Toronto through sport.
The Toronto Sport Hall of Honour Selection Panel reserves the right to only select nominees who meet Toronto Sport Hall of Honour criteria, as outlined below in About the Program.
The Toronto Sport Hall of Honour is located at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, a legacy of the 2015 Toronto Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.
Athlete of the Year is awarded to an individual who has achieved outstanding and extraordinary success, demonstrated exemplary values and/or personal characteristics, and made a defining contribution to his/her sport and/or community.
The Builder award recognizes an individual or organization who has made a meaningful contribution to amateur sport as a leader, advocate or agent of change.
The ‘City of Sport’ – Lifetime Achievement award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a sport leader or organization who exemplifies sport values as demonstrated by groundbreaking organizational leadership, innovative practices, influential communications, cutting-edge sport marketing or positioning of the sport sector.
Coach of the Year is awarded to a coach in either a professional or amateur sport who has achieved outstanding and extraordinary success, demonstrates exemplary values and/or personal characteristics, and makes a defining contribution to his/her sport and/or community. This person possesses the qualities associated with performance excellence and sport achievement.
The Community Sport Volunteer Awards recognize adults and youth who have made a significant impact on community sport in Toronto through their ongoing volunteer efforts as a coach, official and/or sport administrator.
The Corporate Builder award recognizes an organization/corporation that has made a meaningful contribution to amateur sport as a leader, advocate, change agent or builder.
This award recognizes the accomplishments of an individual, group, organization or volunteer that has made a significant impact in sport by fostering an inclusive culture and/or creating opportunities for Toronto’s diverse communities. This award is granted for contributions in the areas of capacity building, policy development, partnerships and engagement with underserved communities that use sport to advance the principles of access and equity.
The Sport Legend award recognizes an individual who, by their achievement and example are considered to have had the capacity to inspire Torontonians. An individual, who through extraordinary sporting accomplishments, has left an indelible mark on the fabric of sport in Toronto.
Team of the Year is awarded to any two or more individuals competing as a single entry in either professional or amateur sport who have achieved outstanding and extraordinary success, demonstrated exemplary values and/or admirable characteristics, and made a defining contribution to their sport and/or community.
Summer McIntosh is one of Canada’s most accomplished swimmers, having made waves on the international stage from a young age. Inspired by her mother, an Olympic swimmer, and first training at the Etobicoke Olympium and Swimming Canada’s High-Performance Centre – Ontario at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, Summer began swimming at age seven and competed in her first Olympic Games at just 14.
In 2024, she broke the Canadian record in the 800m freestyle, defeating American legend Katie Ledecky, and set world records in the 400m individual medley and freestyle. At the Paris Olympic Games, Summer made history by becoming the first Canadian swimmer to win three gold medals and four individual medals at a single Games. Her golds came in the 200m butterfly, 200m and 400m individual medleys, along with a silver in the 400m freestyle.
She was named Canada’s co-flag bearer at the Closing Ceremony and Swimming Canada’s Female Swimmer of the Year. Later that year, she added five more medals at the World Championships in Budapest, including three gold medals in world record time. She won the Northern Star Award as Canada’s top athlete and was named World Aquatics Female Athlete of the Year.
Summer’s achievements have inspired a new generation of Canadian swimmers and solidified her place as one of the country’s greatest athletes.
Josh Liendo is a record-breaking Canadian swimmer whose achievements have made history and inspired a new generation. Born in Scarborough, Josh began swimming in Trinidad & Tobago before returning to Canada, where he trained with the Toronto Olympian Swim Team and North York Aquatic Club. His early promise led him to the University of Florida, where he earned multiple NCAA titles and All-American honours.
In 2024, Josh made headlines at the Paris Olympic Games. After placing fourth in the 50m freestyle, he returned to the pool with determination and won silver in the 100m butterfly, becoming the first Black Canadian to win an Olympic swimming medal. He also broke his own national record in the process, finishing in 49.99 seconds.
Josh’s achievements earned him Swimming Canada’s Male Swimmer of the Year – Olympic Program for the third consecutive year. His success is not only a testament to his athletic ability but also to his role as a trailblazer and leader in Canadian sport.
Matthew Fields has been a dedicated Special Olympics athlete for over 20 years, beginning his journey at age 13. His passion for sport has led him to compete in alpine skiing, track and field, soccer, golf, and swimming. Over the years, Matthew has won 20 medals across provincial, national and world games. His athletic achievements include a gold medal in advanced slalom at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria and one gold and two bronze medals at the 2024 National Winter Games in Advanced Giant Slalom, Advanced Slalom and Super G.
In 2025, he reached new heights with personal bests at the World Winter Games in Turin.
Beyond competition, Matthew is a respected leader and advocate. He serves as a national ambassador for Special Olympics and sits on leadership councils at the provincial, national, and North American levels. He also represented Canada at the Special Olympics Global Athlete Congress in 2018.
In recognition of his contributions to sport and inclusion, Matthew was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025. His dedication, leadership, and athletic excellence continue to inspire athletes and communities across Canada.
Erica Machtinger has been a proud Special Olympics athlete for over a decade, excelling in both swimming and track and field. In 2024, she competed at the Provincial Spring Games in Waterloo, where she won gold in the 25m backstroke and 50m freestyle, and bronze in the 50m backstroke. She trains with the North York Eels (swimming) and the Riverdale Rockets (track and field) and continues to pursue her dream of competing at the National Summer Games.
Erica is also a passionate advocate for inclusion and leadership. She serves on the Ontario and Canadian Athlete Leadership Councils, as well as Community Living Toronto. She leads inclusion training sessions for schools, sponsors, and corporations, helping to build awareness and support for athletes of all abilities.
In addition to her athletic and leadership roles, Erica is an ambassador for several charitable initiatives, including the Tim Hortons “Choose to Include” campaign, Torch Run Ontario, and Motionball. Her dedication to sport and community makes her a role model and a powerful voice for inclusion in Canada.
Sebastian Massabie is a para swimmer competing in the S4 classification, representing Canada with distinction on the international stage. Born in Toronto and now training in British Columbia with the Pacific Sea Wolves, Sebastian lives with cerebral palsy, which affects the left side of his body. Despite this, he has become one of Canada’s most promising young athletes.
In 2024, Sebastian broke his first world record in the 50m butterfly and went on to break it four more times. At the Paralympic Swimming Trials, he set six Canadian records and another world record, qualifying for his first Paralympic Games.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Sebastian made history by winning gold in the 50m freestyle S4, setting a new world record of 35.61 seconds. He became the first Canadian to win a Paralympic title in the S4 classification. He also set two more national records in the 100m and 200m freestyle events.
In recognition of his incredible debut, Sebastian was named Swimming Canada’s Breakout Swimmer of the Year – Paralympic Program. His achievements mark the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career in Canadian para sport.
Tamara Steeves is a standout in Canadian wheelchair basketball, known for her competitive spirit and leadership both on and off the court. Diagnosed with scoliosis at age 10, she discovered wheelchair basketball in 2008 and quickly found her passion. By 2011, she was part of Canada’s first Women’s U25 national team.
Tamara has since competed at four Paralympic Games and represented Canada at numerous international events, including the Canada Games, Osaka Cup, World Championships, and two Parapan American Games. In 2024, she helped Team Canada go undefeated in the Paralympic qualifiers and finish fourth at the Paris Games.
She continues to play with Cruisers Sports and is an active member of the National Team Program. Beyond her athletic achievements, Tamara is committed to mentoring young athletes and building her coaching experience to support the growth of parasport in Canada. Her dedication and resilience make her a role model in the sports community.
Canada’s Men’s 4x100m relay team – Aaron Brown (Toronto), Jerome Blake (Kelowna), Brendon Rodney (Etobicoke), and Andre De Grasse (Markham) – delivered a gold-medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, marking Canada’s first Olympic gold in the event in 28 years.
Despite entering the final with the slowest qualifying time and several athletes recovering from injury, the team executed flawless baton exchanges and ran a near-perfect race from lane nine. Their victory was a testament to their resilience, preparation, and teamwork.
This gold medal added to their impressive track record, which includes a silver at the Tokyo 2020 (in 2021) Olympics and a bronze at Rio 2016. For Andre De Grasse, the win brought his Olympic medal total to seven, tying him with swimmer Penny Oleksiak as Canada’s most decorated Olympian.
In recognition of their historic achievement, the team was named the 2024 Team of the Year by the Canadian Press. Their performance in Paris stands as a shining example of perseverance and excellence in Canadian sport.
Prince Dankyi is a passionate basketball coach and mentor from Toronto’s Jane and Finch community. A former standout athlete, he competed at the OFSAA level and earned MVP honours in high school before playing at Canadore and Seneca College, where he was named Rookie of the Year.
Prince now leads youth development through Lay-Up – Youth Basketball, a free community-based program that supports young athletes in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. He also coaches at James Cardinal McGuigan High School, where he helped guide the girls’ team to a TDCAA Championship in 2024.
His coaching philosophy focuses on empowerment, accountability, and care. Prince is committed to developing athletes as leaders and using sport as a tool for personal growth and community building. He is a trusted role model who continues to uplift Toronto’s youth and strengthen the communities he serves.
Coreen Flemming has been a transformative figure in Canadian field hockey for over 40 years. Her contributions span every level of the sport – from athlete to coach to national leader. She played for Atlantic Canada, the National Team and Toronto club teams. She later coached at three Canada Games, coached in four provinces, and led varsity teams at several post-secondary institutions.
Coreen has played a key role in shaping the sport’s governance. She supported the creation of Field Hockey Canada, Field Hockey Ontario and Atlantic University Sport, helping to promote gender equity and unify men’s and women’s divisions. She has served as President of the Ontario Women’s Field Hockey Association, Chair of Field Hockey Ontario, and a board member of the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Association (CWHFA).
She is also instrumental in developing the Coaching as a Career program, which became a model for other sports organizations through the Ontario Ministry of Sport. Even in retirement, Coreen remains active as a leader with the Nomads Field Hockey Club in Toronto.
Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the CWFHA Volunteer Award, Ontario Government Special Achievement Awards, induction into both the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Hall of Fame and Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Health Work and Wellness Pioneer Award.
ProAction Cops & Kids is a Toronto-based charity that has been fostering community connection and youth empowerment through sport since 1991. The organization was founded to build meaningful relationships between police officers and youth, using sport as a platform for mentorship, trust, and personal development.
To date, ProAction has launched over 2,000 programs in Toronto, engaging more than 410,000 youth and 18,000 officers. Its reach now extends to five additional regions across Southern Ontario. Programs include basketball leagues, hockey, soccer, volleyball, and weightlifting, and are tailored to the needs of each neighbourhood. Many also include life skills training, financial literacy workshops, and incentives like meals and equipment.
ProAction’s mission is to bring cops and kids together in skill-building and mentoring programs to create trust, respect and safer communities. This is achieved through programs that create safe, inclusive spaces where youth can grow, connect, and succeed. Through strategic partnerships and community collaboration, the organization continues to be a leader in youth development and a trusted advocate for positive change through sport.
Blair McIntosh has spent his career advancing sport development and tourism in Ontario and across Canada. Born and raised in Regent Park, Blair’s passion for sport led him to leadership roles that have shaped the landscape of multi-sport events and inclusive sport programming.
He has overseen more than 50 Ontario Games and participated in 16 Canada Games, serving as Chef de Mission for Team Ontario eight times. In 2010, he was named Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the Vancouver Paralympic Games. Blair has held senior roles with Special Olympics Canada, Sport Alliance of Ontario, Sport Tourism Canada, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
Blair’s work has focused on building inclusive sport systems. He has championed women’s participation in sport, Parasport, and Special Olympics, and helped develop sport tourism strategies at the municipal, provincial, and national levels. He also served on Premier Kathleen Wynne’s working group on women in sport.
His contributions have earned him induction into the Canada Games Hall of Honour and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award. Blair’s legacy is one of leadership, inclusion, and a lifelong commitment to growing sport in Canada.
Jamaal Magloire is one of Canada’s most celebrated basketball players and a proud representative of Toronto’s Scarborough community. He rose to prominence at Eastern Commerce High School, leading his team to two OFSAA championships and a 67-game winning streak. At the University of Kentucky, Jamaal won an NCAA championship in 1998 and graduated as the school’s all-time leader in blocked shots.
Selected 19th overall in the 2000 NBA Draft, Jamaal played 13 seasons in the NBA with teams including the Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors. In 2004, he became the second Canadian ever named to the NBA All-Star team.
Since retiring, Jamaal has continued to give back to the game and his community. He joined the Toronto Raptors as a coach and community ambassador and founded the Jamaal Magloire Foundation, which supports underserved youth through sport, arts, and education. His contributions on and off the court have helped shape the growth of basketball in Canada and inspired countless young athletes.
Tracey Ferguson is one of Canada’s most accomplished wheelchair basketball athletes, with a career that has spanned nearly 25 years. After a spinal surgery at age nine left her paralyzed, she was introduced to parasport at Variety Village. There, she discovered wheelchair basketball and quickly rose to the top of the sport.
Tracey represented Canada at seven Paralympic Games, winning gold in 1992, 1996, and 2000, and bronze in 2004. She also competed in multiple World Championships, earning four gold medals and a bronze, and was twice named to the tournament all-star team.
Her achievements have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and induction into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. Today, Tracey continues to inspire as a motivational speaker and advocate for inclusive sport, sharing her story and encouraging others to embrace the power of sport.
The Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (TIRF) is a non-profit organization that uses rugby as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and community development. Established in 2011, TIRF works with youth from Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas to reduce barriers to sport participation and create pathways to success both on and off the field.
TIRF’s Rising Stars Program has supported over 340 student-athletes, many of whom have gone on to compete at national and international levels. The grassroots camps, community events and school programming have enabled thousands of young people across the city to have access to organized sport. The organization has awarded more than $765,000 in scholarships and bursaries, promoting educational advancement and leadership development.
In addition to sport programming, TIRF offers internships, coaching certifications, and personal development workshops. These initiatives help youth build confidence, gain valuable skills, and connect with a diverse alumni network.
TIRF’s vision is to create a more inclusive and representative future for Canadian rugby by dismantling systemic barriers and empowering youth through sport. Their work continues to inspire communities and strengthen the fabric of Canadian sport.
Melvin John is a lifelong advocate for youth engagement and cultural inclusion through cricket. For over 30 years, he has worked to grow the sport across the Greater Toronto Area and Canada, with a focus on underserved communities.
In 2007, Melvin launched the Wicket Cricket program, introducing cricket into Ontario schools at his own expense. The program has since expanded to over 1,000 schools nationwide, supported by RBC, and includes tournaments, teacher training, and specialized programming for girls and women.
Melvin has organized numerous landmark events, including the 2007 Legends of Cricket match at the Rogers Centre and Canada’s first U19 Women’s Cricket tournament in 2024. As President of the Ontario Cricket Association and founder of Versatility Promotions Inc., he has built lasting connections between sport, youth, and community.
He also collaborates with the City of Toronto’s Parks and Recreation department, providing training and employment pathways for young leaders. Melvin’s work continues to break down barriers and promote inclusion through the power of sport.
Zita Pooran has been a passionate advocate and volunteer for inclusive sport for over three decades. Her journey began as a way to support her two daughters with intellectual disabilities and quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to the Special Olympics movement.
Zita has played key roles with Variety Village (Sunshine Swim) and the North York Jets track and field team, managing teams, coordinating swim meets, and ensuring athletes have the support they need to succeed. When the Jets faced a volunteer shortage, Zita stepped in to keep the team running. She has travelled with athletes to national and international competitions and served on the Special Olympics Toronto Council, including two years as Athlete Coordinator.
She also helps organize the Natalie Pooran Memorial Track Meet, held in honour of her late daughter. Her younger daughter, Nerissa, is a decorated Special Olympics athlete and a past inductee into the Toronto Sport Hall of Honour.
Zita continues to mentor new volunteers and advocate for inclusive sport, ensuring that athletes of all abilities have access to meaningful opportunities and community support.
The Raptor has been the face of Toronto Raptors fandom since 1995, entertaining crowds with his high-energy antics, athletic stunts, and comedic flair. Debuting at centre court in front of over 33,000 fans, The Raptor quickly became a fan favourite and has since appeared at almost every Toronto Raptors home game and event, surpassing 1,250 appearances and performing more than 7,700 times across five continents.
He has been a key part of the team’s most iconic moments, including the 2019 NBA Championship run and the recent retirement of Vince Carter’s number. The Raptor has earned accolades such as Gameops.com Mascot of the Year and two Viral Video Awards, while continuing to be a powerful ambassador for the sport.
Beyond the arena, The Raptor plays a vital role in growing basketball in Canada, connecting with communities, and inspiring fans of all ages. As he celebrates his 30th anniversary, The Raptor remains a symbol of passion, pride, and the enduring spirit of sport.