Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Order of Sport Awards: Legacy Edition Honourees

Press Release

CALGARY, Alberta —Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (CSHoF) is proud to announce the honourees to be celebrated at the Order of Sport Awards: Legacy Edition, presented by Everest Funeral Concierge, taking place on November 4,2026, at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.

‍For 70 years, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame has recognized Athletes, Builders, and Trailblazers whose achievements embody the very best of Canada and the enduring spirit of sport. The Legacy Edition of the Order of Sport Awards marks a milestone moment—honouring those who changed the game while recognizing the broader ecosystem of leaders, families, organizations, and community builders whose collective impact continues to shape the future of Canadian sport.

‍“The Legacy Edition of the Order of Sport Awards allows us to recognize the full ecosystem that makes Canadian sport so powerful—from trailblazing athletes and visionaries to families, community leaders, and organizations whose leadership has shaped opportunity for generations,” said Cheryl Bernard, President & CEO of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. “The 2026 honourees represent the very best of who we are — the people behind the moments that brought us together, and whose character continues to inspire what comes next.”

‍The Class of 2026 Trailblazers—Chief Dr. Wilton Littlechild, the 1990 Canadian Women’s Ice Hockey Team, and Jay Triano—represent leaders who broke barriers, redefined their sports, and created new opportunities for generations to follow. Their contributions have played a defining role in the evolution of Canadian sport and continue to inspire communities nationwide.

‍Chief Dr. Wilton Littlechild is a respected Indigenous athlete and lifelong advocate for inclusion, advancing Indigenous representation and equity in sport systems in Canada and globally.

1990 Canadian Women’s Ice Hockey Team helped establish the credibility of women’s ice hockey internationally, accelerating its path to Olympic inclusion and sustained national investment.

Jay Triano elevated Canadian basketball as a national team captain, coach, and the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) first Canadian head coach.

‍In addition, the evening will celebrate the inaugural Community Champion Award, presented by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, recognizing coaches, volunteers, and community leaders who create opportunities for young people to play, belong, and thrive. The 2026 recipient, Tim Adams, exemplifies the powerful and enduring impact of community leadership.

‍In addition to the Induction Class, the Legacy Edition will also recognize a distinguished group of honourees who, while not formally inducted, are being celebrated for their leadership and vision, which have strengthened the foundation of Canadian sport and expanded its role in building stronger communities:

Legacy Visionary – Larry Tanenbaum – Transformational leader of professional Canadian sport

Legacy Family – The Southern Family – Visionary founders of Spruce Meadows

Sport for Good – Canada Games Council and Special Olympics Canada

‍Together, these honourees represent the full story of Canadian sport—an interconnected ecosystem where athletes, leaders, families, community champions, and organizations work together to change the game, strengthen communities, and shape opportunities for the next generation.

‍The Order of Sport Awards: Legacy Edition will bring together leaders from sport, business, government, and the community to celebrate this premier national recognition of legacy leadership and the future of Canadian sport, with Porter Airlines as the Official Airline helping bring Canadians together for this national celebration. The Order of Sport Awards is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Museum Assistance Program.

‍Media Resources Available: Downloadable Media Kit (bios and photographs)

Order of Sport Inductees & Legacy Award Recipients interview requests:
Ruth Cowan, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Mobile: 403.776.1083
Email: rcowan@cshof.ca

‍Media Contact:

Misty Kolozetti, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Mobile: 403.776.1086
Email: mkolozetti@cshof.ca

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