The weathered brick walls of the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame reverberated with applause this weekend as six remarkable individuals who have shaped the province’s athletic legacy took their rightful place among the pantheon of sporting greats. The induction ceremony, held in Fredericton, celebrated achievements spanning decades and disciplines, from the diamond to the ice and beyond.
“This moment represents not just personal achievement, but the culmination of thousands of early mornings, countless sacrifices, and unwavering community support,” remarked Jean-François LeBlanc, the Hall’s executive director, as he opened the ceremony before a capacity crowd of family members, former coaches, and aspiring young athletes.
Among this year’s inductees is softball standout Leah Clendenning, whose pitching prowess helped secure multiple national championships for New Brunswick teams throughout the 1990s. Her 103 mph fastball remains legendary in Canadian softball circles, while her post-athletic career developing youth softball programs has introduced the sport to thousands of young women across the province.
“The real honour isn’t the plaque on the wall,” Clendenning told attendees, visibly moved. “It’s knowing that somewhere, a young girl might see my name and believe that her dreams are possible too.”
Hockey pioneer Gerald Arsenault joined the Hall after an illustrious career that included three Memorial Cup appearances and significant contributions to developing the province’s rural hockey infrastructure. His grassroots initiatives have established training centers in communities where economic challenges might otherwise have limited access to the sport.
The ceremony also celebrated the contributions of Paralympic medallist Sophie Belliveau, whose swimming achievements spanning three Games have redefined expectations for athletes with disabilities. Belliveau’s advocacy work has led to significant improvements in accessibility at sporting facilities throughout the Maritime provinces.
“Recognition like this doesn’t happen in isolation,” noted Mark Davidson, chair of the selection committee. “Each inductee represents not just their own excellence, but the coaches, families, and communities that fostered their development. That’s the true legacy we’re celebrating today.”
The induction class was rounded out by basketball coach Timothy Harrigan, track and field official Margaret Steeves, and the late rowing champion Peter Williams, whose contributions to their respective sports have left indelible marks on New Brunswick’s athletic landscape.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees were invited to tour the newly renovated exhibition space featuring memorabilia, interactive displays, and digital archives chronicling the province’s sporting history. The Hall’s recent technological upgrades allow visitors to explore the stories behind each inductee through immersive multimedia experiences.
These six individuals join over 650 athletes, builders, and teams already enshrined in the Hall, which has operated since 1970 to preserve and celebrate New Brunswick’s rich sporting heritage. The facility serves not only as a museum but as an educational resource and community gathering place, hosting school programs and sports development workshops throughout the year.
As the province looks toward the future of athletics in New Brunswick, one question remains particularly poignant: In a rapidly changing sporting landscape, how will the legacy of these inductees inspire the next generation to forge their own paths to excellence?
For more stories about remarkable achievements across our province, visit CO24 Canada News.
