The lobby was full at Queens Place Emera Centre Wednesday afternoon as the community came together to celebrate the county’s top athletes and coaches.
The new Olympic Wall was unveiled, recognizing the accomplishments of seven Queen’s county natives who have participated in either the Olympics or the World Special Olympics.
The inductees were all present for the event and include Jamie Belong, Betty Ann Daury, Owen Hamlin, Jenna Martin, Sarah Mitton, Alexander Shankel, and Ben Theriau.
“Our seven Olympic Wall inductees inspire others with their achievement, their hard work, devotion to being the best, and their love of their sport,” said Darlene Norman, Mayor of Region of Queens Municipality.
President & CEO of the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame Bruce Rainnie spoke at the induction and commended the community of Queens for punching above their weight in terms of producing top-level athletes. “People ask me how it’s possible and I often say I don’t know but coming here today and seeing this many people here it makes sense, it takes a community to support people getting to the top level and obviously the community here in Queens is strong,” said Rainnie.
Jenna Martin one of the inductees, echoed Rainnie’s sentiments about it being a collective effort, “We often hear it takes a village to help athletes achieve their dreams, and seeing the turnout here today it’s obvious to me the Queens is one of the strongest villages I ever could have asked for.
Sarah Mitton, the most recent Olympian having competed in Tokyo 2020 is hopeful the new exhibit will inspire the next generation of Queen’s athletes, “Having something like this shows that Olympians can come from anywhere, it doesn’t take massive fancy facilities so I hope this can be the start of something bigger and shows kids, especially young girls that with the support of your community you can achieve your dreams.”.
Sarah Mitton signed autographs at the Olympic Wall unveiling at Queens Place Emera Centre. Photo: Evan Taylor.
The Olympic Wall is a permanent installation at the Emera Centre Lobby, and more athletes and coaches will be inducted should they compete in the Olympics or World Special Olympics.
The seven individuals inducted at the Olympic Wall unveiling include;
- Jamie Belong
Jamie is a proud resident of Liverpool. He participated in the 1995 World Special Olympic Games in New Haven, Connecticut, USA as a Team Canada soccer player and won a Silver Medal. Over the years Jamie has taken part in a multitude of sports including powerlifting, floor hockey and speed skating. He values the opportunity sport has given him to travel, meet new people and forge valuable friendships. - Betty Ann Daury
Betty Ann proudly represented Lunenburg-Queens Special Olympics as an assistant snowshoe coach during the 2005 Special Olympic World Games in Nagano, Japan. Her contributions to the organization over the last three decades have been entirely focused on her athletes, their growth, their successes and ability to improve their lives through sport. Betty Ann continues to give back and proudly represents her community of Milton. - Owen Hamlin
A resident of Liverpool and an educator with a degree in physical education, Owen led the basketball program at Liverpool Regional High School for 26 years. A respected official, coach and mentor in a variety of sports, he was part of the delegation that trained officials for the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. He then went on to participate as a basketball bench official in the ‘76 Games. Owen continues to proudly promote his community. - Jenna Martin
2012 Canadian National Champion in the 400M, Jenna Martin, the small town girl from Caledonia, went on to compete in the 400M at the 2012 London Olympic Games. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, she recognizes her greatest achievement as representing Canada on the world stage. Most influential in her decision to pursue a track and field career was her late coach and mentor Charlie Scarrow of Bridgetown, NS. - Sarah Mitton
Sarah, a Shot Putter from Brooklyn, qualified for her first Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in 2020. She is the Canadian record holder and the only Canadian woman to break the 20 metre barrier. Sarah placed 4th at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon in July 2022. In August 2022, Sarah won the Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England. - Alexander Shankel
Alexander, from Liverpool, is an accomplished Snowshoer. Fresh off a successful 2008 National Winter Games in Quebec, he was chosen the 2008 Special Olympics Nova Scotia Male Athlete of the Year and went on to represent Canada at the 2009 World Special Olympic Games in Boise, Idaho, USA, where he won a Silver Medal. Alexander is inspired by his coach and friend Betty Ann Daury. Today, he gives of his time to help neighbors. - Ben Theriau
Ben is a Track & Field athlete from Hunts Point. As a member of Team Canada, he competed at the 2019 World Special Olympic Games in Abu Dhabi, UAE in the 100M, 200M and team relay events. A graduate of Liverpool Regional High School, Ben was chosen the 2020 Athletics Nova Scotia Special Olympics Male Athlete of the Year. Well known in the community, Ben is a committed volunteer and supports endeavors such as the local food bank.
