The Aurora Sports Hall of Fame is excited to announce the highly anticipated 2024 Class of Inductees. These exceptional individuals have made significant contributions to the world of sports and sports culture, bringing tremendous pride to our community. This incredible group of honourees represents a diverse range of sports and exemplifies the values of excellence, dedication, and positive character traits.
We’re pleased to announce the 2024 Class of Inductees into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame:
Marcel Gery – Athlete, Swimming
Gery, a butterfly specialist, made a significant mark in the world of swimming as part of the 4×100 meter medley relay team that won bronze at the Barcelona Olympics. Teaming up with Jon Cleveland, Stephen Clark, and Mark Tewksbury, Gery’s skill and dedication were pivotal in securing this medal for Canada.
Beyond the Olympics, Marcel has won several medals for Canada at the Pan Pacific Championships and the Commonwealth Games. His exceptional talent was further highlighted in 1990 when he set a short-course world record in the 100m butterfly in Leicester, England. This achievement cemented his status as one of the premier butterfly swimmers of his time.
Marcel has been a proud resident of Aurora since 1996 and his long-standing commitment to the community has made him a well-known and respected figure in the area.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to swimming, Marcel was inducted into Swimming Canada’s Circle of Excellence. He is also a member of the Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame, honours that celebrate his remarkable achievements and impact on the sport.
Marcel’s contributions extend beyond the pool. He has been an active member of the Aurora community, coaching his children’s sports teams and dedicating his time to various charitable causes. His efforts in raising funds for Southlake Hospital, the Children’s Miracle Network, and the Canadian Breast Cancer Society have made a significant difference, showcasing his commitment to giving back and supporting those in need.
Through his athletic achievements and community involvement, Marcel has exemplified excellence, dedication, and generosity, making him a cherished member of the Aurora community.
Milton Hart – Athlete, Track & Field
Milton Hart’s journey into the elite world of athletics began in 1989 when he was drafted into the Jamaican Bobsled team, recognized for being one of the fastest men in Jamaica. His remarkable speed and dedication earned him a spot on the team that competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. Beyond bobsledding, Milton also achieved excellence in Track and Field, showcasing his versatility and athletic talent.
While competing in Track and Field at York University, Milton attained numerous accolades, solidifying his status as a top-tier athlete. His achievements include being named the 1996 Most Valuable Athlete, earning the title of Ontario University All-Star in three separate years, and securing three CIAU medals. These accomplishments highlight his dedication, skill, and exceptional performance on the track.
Milton’s commitment to service extended beyond athletics. He received his Queen’s Commission to serve in the Canadian Military Reserves, where he held the rank of Lieutenant. This role exemplified his leadership and dedication to serving his country.
For the past 20 years, Milton has been a resident of Aurora. During this time, he has served as the Vice President of the York Region District School Board, where his leadership and vision have positively impacted educational policies and practices. Additionally, as a part-time professor at Seneca College, he has shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with countless students.
Milton’s passion for athletics and mentorship continued as he became a coach in the Aurora community. He co-founded Basic Speed and Agility, a program that teaches the fundamentals of sprinting, helping young athletes develop their skills and achieve their potential. His commitment to fostering athletic talent and promoting physical fitness is unwavering.
Currently, Milton serves as the Chair of the Aurora Black Caucus, where he works diligently to dismantle anti-black racism within the community. His efforts in advocating for equality and inclusivity have made Aurora a more welcoming and supportive environment for all residents.
Through his various roles and initiatives, Milton Hart has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, education, and community service, making him a respected and influential figure in Aurora.
Sandy Townsend – Coach, Rugby
Sandy has dedicated over 35 years to growing and building the game of rugby, establishing himself as a pillar of the sport both locally, nationally, and internationally. His storied career includes coaching the Aurora Barbarians Rugby 18U Boys to provincial championships in 2002 and 2013, showcasing his exceptional ability to develop young talent and lead teams to victory.
In 2015, Sandy expanded his coaching influence by participating in the Ontario Provincial Competition at the Las Vegas 7s, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier coach. His role extends beyond technical training; Sandy is a mentor who helps young athletes pursue their goals, maintain focus, and build confidence in themselves and their teammates.
A resident of Aurora since 1997, Sandy has also been a dedicated educator at the Country Day School in King City, where he has taught rugby since his arrival. His commitment to the sport is evident in his success as both a coach and an athlete, with his induction into the Queen’s University Rugby Hall of Fame highlighting his achievements on the field.
Sandy’s coaching experience spans multiple institutions and levels, including Lower Canada College, Country Day School, Seneca College, Toronto Rugby Union, Ontario Summer Games, and the Aurora Barbarians (since 2001). He is certified Level 3 by Rugby Canada, enabling him to teach other coaches and further promote the sport’s development.
Many of the athletes Sandy has coached have gone on to compete at the international level, a testament to his ability to nurture and develop top-tier rugby talent. His contributions to rugby are vast and his influence continues to shape the sport for future generations.
Grace Wong – Athlete, Table Tennis
Grace Wong’s lifelong passion for table tennis began at the tender age of seven. A resident of Aurora since 2008, her dedication to the sport has remained unwavering, earning her numerous national and international titles throughout her career.
Grace’s exceptional talent and commitment have led her to compete in singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team categories, where she has achieved significant accolades in each.
Her recent accomplishments highlight her continued excellence in the sport. In 2023, Grace won gold medals for Team Canada at the ITTF World Master Championships in Fort Lauderdale, USA, showcasing her prowess on the international stage. Additionally, she secured impressive victories at the 94th New Jersey State Championships. In January 2023, Grace emerged victorious in the Mixed Doubles category at the ITTF World Veteran Championships in Muscat, Oman, further solidifying her reputation as a top-tier table tennis player.
Beyond her personal achievements, Grace has played a pivotal role in promoting table tennis within the community. She co-founded the Canada Panda Cup in the Greater Toronto Area, a tournament recognized at the national level. Her commitment to the sport extends to her volunteer work, where she advocates for women’s equality, diversity, and inclusivity in sporting opportunities. Grace’s contributions to table tennis and her efforts to foster a more inclusive sporting environment reflect her deep dedication to both the game and the community.
Grace Wong’s impact on table tennis is profound, and her ongoing efforts to promote the sport and support equality in athletics continue to inspire players and fans alike.
The Aurora Sports Hall of Fame is proud to welcome these outstanding individuals into its illustrious ranks. Their accomplishments have not only brought glory to themselves but have also instilled immense pride in the Aurora community.
“It has been an absolute honour to be step into the role of Induction Chair this year for the Aurora Sports hall of Fame. We are grateful to the wonderful ASHoF community that has put an incredible amount of time and consideration into the induction process this year – from preparing the nominations packages right through the selection process to the announcement of our 2024 inductees. We are thrilled to welcome another 4 outstanding individuals into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame. Congratulations on your tremendous accomplishments!” says Melanie Pearson, Chair, Induction Committee.
The official induction ceremony for the 2024 Class of Inductees will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the NEW Aurora Town Square Theatre, 50 Victoria Street, Aurora, ON.
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with the inductees, please contact:
Javed S. Khan
President & Chair
Aurora Sports Hall of Fame
T: 416-889-6069
E: [email protected]
