Oct 23, 2008 - 03:52 PM

By Brad Kelly

The Clarington Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner tomorrow night will include an interesting array of stories that few have heard told before, and another that is probably regarded as the most told story in Canadian sports history.

The ones that aren't so commonplace will be the feature, and what will bring everyone together at the Recreation Complex as the community celebrates its sporting heroes and heritage. Having sat on the induction committee the past six years, I have witnessed the ceremony grow from a small idea into a big gala.

Among those who will be front and centre will be a couple of Olympians, an aging field athlete who seemingly gets better with age, another whose age made him joke that he might not be around long enough to attend, as well as a committee who pulled together its resources and talents to ensure the erection of the splash pool and fitness facility.

Those who take the stage to graciously accept their induction will share their stories of triumph and personal perseverance. There will be some thank yous, and some humble moments. And if Lori Glazier holds true to her prediction, a few tears as well.

She is one of the Olympians who will be enshrined, having been a member of the first Canadian snowboard team to compete at an Olympic Games, representing the country at the Nagano Games of 1998.

"I just started crying," she said of getting the call acknowledging her induction. "I'm a big crybaby. I cry over everything," she would later say.

The other Olympian in the mix is Sommer West, who patrolled first base for the Canadian women's softball team at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. She also donned Canadian jerseys in the winter, skating with national women's programs on a regular basis.

A couple of veterans will undoubtedly capture the hearts of those attending. Garry Bachman, who competed in a variety of sports as a teenager and young adult, took a 40-year sabbatical before jumping back in at the senior level. Turning 87 this December, he is a national and world champion in a number of throwing events, setting records one year, only to break them the next.

And then there's Jack Brough, 97, who joked upon learning of his induction earlier this year that he hoped to live long enough to attend. He and badminton doubles partner, the late Al Osborne, were active in the Bowmanville Badminton Club, winning the Central Ontario Championship title a minimum of six consecutive years. The awards and trophies were many, including a prize of six cans of motor oil after one championship.

Their stories will make for an entertaining evening. As will the one told by Paul Henderson, the hero of the 1972 Summit Series, who has been secured as the guest speaker.

Henderson will be right in front, while the others will undoubtedly score one for Clarington.