Nepean Sports Wall of Fame Class of 2023

From Nepean Sports Wall of Fame

Nepean, ON — September 12, 2023: Lisa Weagle, whose long list of incredible curling success

includes a women’s world title, three Canadian championships and two Olympic appearances,

highlights a stellar cast of 2023 inductees into the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame.

The diverse group of 12 honourees, including some of Nepean’s best and brightest athletes and

builders, will be officially recognized at an October 26, 2023 ceremony at the Nepean

Sportsplex.

“We are truly excited to hold an in-person ceremony again,” said David Rattray, Chair of the

Board of Directors. “Plans are well underway for what will be a memorable evening of

celebrating and honoring sports achievement in Nepean.”

The class of 2023 includes former Canadian junior diving sensation Henry McKay, along with his

renowned coach, Fernando Henderson, who have helped bring international attention to the

Nepean Ottawa Diving Club.

The Wall also proudly welcomes Erika Hoffmann, an elite international race car driver, along

with Kaitlyn Youldon, a standout national ringette star for more than a decade.

Ada Chan, who won five medals, including a gold, in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2003 Special

Olympics World Summer Games and was an all-around champion at the 2002 Special Olympics

Canada Summer Games, will also be honoured.

The 2022 Nepean Knights Junior B box lacrosse squad, which found innovative ways to train

during the COVID-19 pandemic, earned its way into the Wall thanks to an unparalleled season

that culminated in a national championship, the first Ottawa-area junior box lacrosse team to

capture such an honour.

In an effort to recognize the significant past and present impact of the vast support system for

sports in Nepean, the Wall of Fame is also recognizing five fantastic builders: former Board

chair and Nepean Raiders owner Gavin Leishman, gymnastics club founder Agnes Laing, figure

skating guru Karen Butcher and passionate rugby supporter Richard Fleming.

Gord Wilson, radio colour commentator for the Ottawa Senators for more than three decades,

and a proud product of Nepean’s J.S. Woodsworth High School is also being inducted in the

media category.

Photos and bios of all 2023 inductees are available here.

Tickets for the October 26 induction ceremony at the Nepean Sportsplex cost $95.00 and can

be purchased here.

During the past two years, the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame has undergone a significant

rebranding exercise. That effort includes a new video display at the Nepean Sportsplex, a new

user-friendly and bilingual website, a modernized logo, and a community outreach effort aimed

at giving community sports groups a bigger voice in the selection of Wall of Fame members.

The Nepean Sports Wall of Fame is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors with deep ties to

the Nepean community. The organization owns a vision to honour, preserve and celebrate

Nepean’s sporting excellence, while upholding the principles of Excellence, Community,

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through sporting pursuits.