THE SASKATCHEWAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
(A Brief History) 

Established on October 31, 1966, the Hall of Fame was originally known as the Molson's Sports Hall of Fame.  During its first two years of operation the Molson Sports Hall of Fame hosted two Induction Dinners, installing a total of 19 individuals and 12 teams.  These successful dinners were followed by a period of struggle for the Sports Hall of Fame as it sought a new home and finalized a long-term relationship with Molson Breweries. 

In 1971, a temporary location was found to house the then small collection of artifacts, which comprised the Sports Hall of Fame.  1974 brought another change in venue as the Hall united with Sask Sport groups at 1915 South Railway Street and became known as the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.  

In 1979, the Old Land Titles Building was designated a provincial heritage property and, once renovated, provided the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame with a permanent home in the downtown core.  The Hall continued to grow in its new location, adding "and Museum" to its name in 1990, and acquiring additional space in order to house the ever growing collection.  In 1996, the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and Museum reached another milestone as it celebrated its 30th Anniversary. 

The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame was originally established to honour outstanding Saskatchewan athletes, championship teams and sport builders.  Athletes eligible for nomination include individuals with substantial connections to Saskatchewan who have represented sport with distinction in competition; both in Saskatchewan and outside the province; or whose example has brought great credit to the sport and high respect for the individual.  Nominated athletes should have compiled an outstanding record in one or more sports.   Nominees for builder should have served sport for a period of years, although not necessarily consecutive.  The nominee should have had a career, which combines wholly or in part, the qualities specified for athletes in such a way as to make their contribution to sport of an outstanding nature.   Also eligible are those Saskatchewan teams who have won a national, international, or world championship event, or have reached the ultimate level of achievement in their sport.  The museum has been established to preserve the broad history of Saskatchewan sport, a means to include yet look beyond the accomplishments of the inductees. 

Following the 2004 installation ceremony there will be 175 athletes, 122 builders and 91 teams inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Together they account for more than forty sports.  Each year new nominations are received to supplement the pre-existing nominations on file.  The task of the Hall's Selection Committee is a difficult one as there are many worthy recipients to be honoured as inductees at each year's Induction Dinner. 

The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and Museum has a permanent staff of four and relies very strongly on dedicated volunteers to accomplish its work.  The Hall and Museum continues to collect artifacts and archives related to sport, to offer educational programming to school and community groups, to raise money through a variety of ventures and to offer a diverse selection of other programs which reflect Saskatchewan's sporting history.