Charmaine Hooper named to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame has announced that retired soccer star Charmaine Hooper is one of seven new athletes to be inducted later this year as part of the Class of 2012. Hooper, bobsledder Pierre Lueders, hockey’s Scott Niedermayer, skaters Jamie Salé and David Pelletier, rower Derek Porter, speed skater Jeremy Wotherspoon as well as builders Marion Lay and Doc Seaman complete the nine-person induction class that will be celebrated on 18 October 2012.

CONCACAF champion Charmaine Hooper was one of Canada’s best female footballers for close to two decades. She represented her country on the international stage from 1986 to 2006, participating in three FIFA Women’s World Cups. She left international football as Canada’s all-time leader with 129 appearances and 71 goals scored. She won one gold and three silver medals in CONCACAF women’s competitions (including gold in 1998).

Hooper was a three-time Canadian Player of the Year, winning the award in 1994, 1995 and 2002. She would have won the award more often had it been presented consistently throughout her career, including 2003 when she was named to the FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star Team and 2004 when she was named a FIFA Women’s Player of the Year candidate.

“We are so proud of this Class of 2012, as each inductee has a great story of inspiration that we are excited to celebrate in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame,” said Chair of the Board of Governors Colin MacDonald. “I was honoured to call these athletes, builders and their families to let them know they would be inducted at our ceremonies in October 2012. Hearing their reactions was very special and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is looking forward to celebrating their induction.”

“This Class of 2012 has been part of many of our greatest moments in sport history and we know that sharing their stories will inspire Canadians of all ages across the country to dream big,” said Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame President and CEO Mario Siciliano. “As Canadians, we have so much to be proud of. These nine Canadian sport legends remind us how great our country is and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is honoured to share these stories of passion and inspiration.”

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will host the 2012 induction ceremonies on October 18, 2012 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. With the induction of the Class of 2012, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will grow to have 529 Honoured Members representing 60 summer and winter sports.