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Chemainus area contribution significant to Sports Wall of Fame

Inductees’ names now included on paver stones to complement digital display
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The North Cowichan/Duncan Sports Walk of Fame includes a significant number of athletes, builders and coaches from Chemainus, Crofton and Saltair. (Photo by Don Bodger)

A significant number of the current North Cowichan/Duncan Sports Wall of Fame members are either from Chemainus, Saltair and Crofton or have a direct connection to the area.

The latest inductees last November brought the total number to 58. With the addition of umpire Roy Price and the Stuart Channel Little League baseball team of 1987, the Chemainus area contribution now sits at 16.

Related story: Little Leaguers of 1987, Price inducted into Sports Wall of Fame

The Wall of Fame with an interactive display is located inside the Cowichan Aquatic Centre in Duncan. People can look up digital biographies on all the inductees.

Inductees’ names are also showcased on paver stones on a new Walk of Fame located outside the front entrance of the building.

Previous Wall of Fame inductees with connections to the Chemainus area include: the Fuller Lake Flyers Junior B teams (1970-1980) for hockey in 2019; and hockey coach Jack Rochon in 2017.

In 2013, all the inductees that year were from either Chemainus or Crofton: hockey’s Ron Andruff, Don Bodger (also media) and the Chemainus Blues hockey teams; and well-known baseball coaches Sonny Collinson and Larry Irving.

The 2012 inductees featured Robin Bawa, who played at Fuller Lake before going on to a pro career; Crofton soccer star Emily Zurrer; and Chemainus senior swimming sensation Eulah Varty.

Included in the 2010 induction list was Larry Hopwo, who just stepped down this year after 52 years as president of the Chemainus & District Baseball Association.

In 2009, Chemainus basketball legend Bill Robinson was added to the honourees.

The original inductions in 2008 featured Greg Adams and Doug Bodger, who had long careers in the National Hockey League after playing at Fuller Lake.

The next set of inductees will be added in November of 2023.


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don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca

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Greg Adams made a strong impact during his 10 years in the National Hockey League. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Ron Andruff made it from little old Chemainus to the National Hockey League. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Robin Bawa played his rep hockey at Fuller Lake Arena. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Chemainus Blues were a huge draw in the early years of Fuller Lake Arena. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Ron Collinson of Crofton’s Walk of Fame paver stone. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Don Bodger played hockey at Fuller Lake and started as a newspaper reporter in 1980. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Doug Bodger played 15 1/2 seasons in the National Hockey League. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Emily Zurrer of Crofton had a long tenure with the Canadian women’s soccer team. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Eulah Varty is a senior swimmer unlike any other. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Fuller Lake Flyers were added in 2019. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Larry Hopwo served more than 50 years as Chemainus & District Baseball Association president. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Larry Irving was a fixture at the Chemainus Ball Park and around the district for many years. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Jack Rochon was a masterful hockey coach. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Barkley Logan is a former principal at Chemainus Elementary School. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Chemainus’ Bill Robinson is a basketball legend. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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