Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber Ken Ploen and Winnipeg Jets captain Ab McDonald stand beside life-size cutouts of themselves at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. (DARRIN BAUMING PHOTO)
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame showed off what it has to offer during a preview event in downtown Winnipeg on Wednesday.
Housed in the Sport for Life Centre on Pacific Avenue, the Hall of Fame features decade galleries from the 1890s to the 2000s and beyond. Each gallery takes visitors through time to view artifacts of Manitoba’s accomplished sport heroes. Visitors will also be able to step back into the ’60s and ’70s and have their pictures taken with Ken Ploen and Ab MacDonald in their prime.
The Hall of Fame received a generous donation from the Riley family to reach its completion. The Rileys have a legacy of three generations involved in provincial sport, including inductions into the HOF. J. Derek Riley and Sandy Riley were on hand for ceremony earlier this afternoon.
“Our family strongly believes in the many benefits that sport offers,” Sandy Riley said. “We have been fortunate enough to take a leadership role for the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Sport for Life Centre. Our support honours those who have achieved sport excellence and hopefully inspires future generations.”
The public will get their first look at the new attraction on Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Several athletes will be on hand to sign autographs. Admission is free.
