Pertaining to the events of Friday night at the Owen Sound Sports Hall of Fame Induction, there are a couple of things I’d like to touch on today.
As you can appreciate, I didn’t have a great deal of time to formulate a proper ” thank you ” speech.
Plus, with the emotional bombs dropping in rapid fashion, you can also understand that I was a little rattled at the podium as the night climaxed, which, for me, is rare.
So, here now, are my remarks, the things I should have said, if capable, at the moment.
First of all, congratulations to the Owen Sound Sports Hall of Fame Induction Committee for once again creating a superb environment.
I’ve been to the last dozen Induction Nights, and they never fail to make an impression & delight. Friday was no exception.
Next, to the listed inductees for 2014, I offer my congratulations.
In almost every case Friday, the names and stories of those inducted were familiar, their inductions well deserved and personally, to be included among the list of 2014 inductees is humbling.
Finally, as Friday night unfolded, and as I’ve seen for decades previously, there is no question the induction ceremony is deeply emotional for the inductee, plus for the family & friends of the inductee.
Some of the most stable people I know have been betrayed by their emotions on Induction Night.
I knew this. Or I thought I knew this, at least until the final moments of the ceremony this year, when a marvellous surprise was unveiled, and suddenly I got weak in the legs, and, try as I might, lost composure.
For that great gift, I truly & deeply thank all of those involved for orchestrating such a complex secret operation that gave me a moment I’ll never forget.
Thank you.
I’m Fred Wallace