On November 14, 2018 the BC Sports Hall of Fame revealed its 2019 Induction Class at an official Announcement Day press conference at BC Place. The 2019 Induction Class features five athletes, three builder-coaches, one team, one pioneer, one media member and one W.A.C. Bennett award winner. Fernie's Emily Brydon is part of the 53rd class, which will be formally inducted at the Induction Gala in May, 2018.
We had a chance to talk with Emily over the weekend about this exciting news.
What does it mean to you to be inducted into the BC Hall of Fame in 2019?
Being inducted into the BC Sport Hall of Fame is such an honour. To be honest, I am surprised and humbled by the induction. There are so many great athletes from BC and it was and continues to be a great privilege to come from a province so rich in sport. To be recognized for something I loved to do is a gift. I was given such great opportunity throughout my career but it came with a lot of hard work, dedication, support and sacrifice, that it feels full circle to now be recognized for it all. This award is not just for me, but for all the people who have supported my journey through it all.
What would you say you have gained the most from ski racing?
As I get older and have more time to reflect on my experiences and learnings from being a ski racer, I realize that all of it has made me who I am today - it truly provides the best lesson in life. It made me resilient, courageous, passionate, driven and worldly. I don’t know many other “educations” in life that give you that. Ski racing also gave me the gift of nature and getting to play in the mountains for years on end. The mountains remain my magical place in this world. Finally, it gave me friends and a community which I am so grateful for.
The EBYF was inspired because of a family and a community. I was at a major crossroad in my life and a family and a community came together to support me and thus allow me to go chase my dreams as a ski racer. They gave me the nudge I needed to commit to the sport and thus my dreams. My ski racing career was always so much more than just about me - it was fundamentally bigger than me and for that I will be forever grateful. The EBYF was my way of giving back and ensuring that no child missed out on a dream, experience or opportunity because they don’t have the funds to do so. The foundation has grown in so many magical ways, of which many I didn’t fully appreciate until they were right under my nose. By supporting youth through sports, arts and education we are not only enabling experience but we are showing youth that we believe in them - we are giving them the nudge I got all those years ago.
Will Fernie see you skiing on the slopes this holiday season?
Absolutely! Fernie is where I fill up my soul, it is the best place to ski in the world. I have to get my fix of my favorite runs, beautiful vistas and Champagne powder!!!
Congratulations, Emily. Fernie is so proud of you!
The 2019 Induction Class includes:
Athlete
• Emily Brydon - Skiing
• Roy Gerela – Football
• Kelly McCallum – Rugby
• Daniel Sedin – Ice Hockey
• Henrik Sedin – Ice Hockey
Builder-Coach
• Darlene Currie - Basketball
• Ken Holland – Ice Hockey
• Tony Waiters – Soccer
Team
• 1968 New Westminster Salmonbellies Lacrosse
Pioneer
• Ralph ‘Hunk’ Henderson – Basketball/Football
Media
• Dan Jukich
W.A.C. Bennett Award
• Ron Toigo
For more information on the BC Hall of Fame, or the Induction Gala visit www.bcsportshalloffame.com.
