Newest members of Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame unveiled

Jun 13, 2023 | 3:00 PM Pete McIntyre

The Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 2023 inductees at an event at the Okanagan Heritage Museum, home to the Hall of Fame.

“We’re celebrating our 16th anniversary this year, and with so much sporting talent and passion in our region, we know that there will always be more incredible people and teams to honour,” Patrick Kennedy, manager of the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame (COSHOF), and a former CHBC sportscaster, said.

Team Canada wheelchair curling team: Gerry Austgarden (Kelowna), Sonya Gaudet (Vernon), Chris Daw (Ont.), Gary Cormack (Surrey), and coach Joe Rae (Osoyoos) who won gold at the 2006 Paralympics in Italy. (Photo courtesy of Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame)

The Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame is a branch of the Kelowna Museums Society and honours athletes, coaches, teams, builders and pioneers who have distinguished themselves on the local, national or international sports scene.

The 2023 Inductees are:

David Bingham (Builder)

Involved in SD23 sports since 1975
League Commissioner, President for BC School Sports
Coach: 2013 BC ‘A’ Boys Volleyball Champions (KCS)
2004: Honoured by BC School Sports for service & contribution
Coached boys & girls teams; volleyball, basketball

Jim and Karen Bates (Builder)

Helped form Kelowna Running Club
Formed Kelowna Apple Triathlon
Ran Ski-to-Sea race
Started a women’s charity run and raised over $100,000
Assisted with Telemark & Nordic ski clubs
Brought World Championship Triathlon to Kelowna (1988)

Clayton Miller (Athlete)

Canadian national team member
Top Canadian at several International Skeet shooting events
National Champion Skeet 1996, 2000
Top Canadian and 20th overall at the 1996 Olympics
Bronze medalist at the 1999 Pan American Games

Team Canada Wheelchair Curling (Team)

Gerry Austgarden (Kelowna), Sonya Gaudet (Vernon), Chris Daw (Ont.), Gary Cormack (Surrey), and coach Joe Rae (Osoyoos)
Competed in the 2004 Canadian National championships
Picked to represent Canadian Paralympic team after 8 months of trials
2006 Paralympic Gold medalists in Italy

Cliff Serwa and Doug Mervyn (Bennett Award 2023)

Original builders & operators of Big White Mountain
Cliff & Doug first attempt to reach the top of Big White Mountain on cross country skis when they are fresh out of high school
Big White Ski Resort is celebrating its 60th year of operation in December 2023
Big White Ski Resort has grown into an International destination for skiers from around the world
The mountain has hosted numerous provincial, Canadian and international ski and snowboard events

Nominations are forwarded from the general public and are scrutinized by a nomination committee, then a selection committee, with the final approval done by the Sports Legacy committee.

The induction ceremony will take place at Manteo at Eldorado Resort on November 16.