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Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
2025.1.37 |
Object Name |
Video Recording |
Title |
Class of 1987 Jim Worrall Acceptance Speech |
Scope & Content |
Length: 8:33 The 1987 Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at the Calgary Convention Centre in Calgary, AB. Summary: Jim Worrall delivered a warm, humorous, and reflective speech, joking that previous speakers had already covered much of what he planned to say. He reminisced about his role in involving Harold Wright in the Canadian Olympic Association (COA), helping shift its leadership beyond Montreal, and convincing Wright to serve as president—a role he ended up holding for eight years. Worrall recounted being mistaken as a non-athlete by a reporter and clarified that both he and Wright had athletic careers long before many present were born. Although he modestly admitted his athletic accomplishments weren't outstanding, he emphasized the joy and fulfillment they brought. He shared his early post-war involvement with the Olympic movement, including his time as COA president and his role in numerous Canadian Olympic bids—particularly Calgary's successful campaign, which he had championed since the 1950s. Worrall reflected on decades of service to amateur sport, his deep friendships, and the contributions he believed he made both nationally and internationally. Despite advancing age and a creaky knee, he expressed pride in being inducted alongside his friend Harold Wright, gratitude to the selection committee, and optimism about continuing to contribute—mentioning he had even been called upon to support Toronto’s bid for the 1996 Games. He closed with appreciation for his time in Calgary, his connection to the Olympic movement, and the honor of joining such a prestigious institution. |
Date |
1987/12/8 |
Year Range from |
1987 |
Year Range to |
1987 |
People |
Worrall, Jim |
Search Terms |
1987 induction Order of Sport Award acceptance speech builder multisport Berlin 1936 Olympic Games flag bearer Chef de Mission Canadian Olympic Association International Olympic Committee Order of Canada Canadian Olympic Order Olympic Order Jim Worrall James Worrall |