The Sports Heritage of Windsor and Essex County has been and continues to be both rich and varied. The accomplishments of men and women on local, provincial, national or international fields of competition have helped to create a legacy which fills this sports minded community with considerable pride

A Steering Committee formed in October 1979, with the full support of then Mayor Bert Weeks, laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame. The members of this committee chaired by Andy Paulick were Rev. Charles Armstrong, Diantha Dowdell, Ken Fathers, Frank Hodges, Robert Knudsen, Bill Miles, Dick Moriarity, Bill Rogin, Tony Techko and Sis Thompson.

In 1981, the Hall of Fame and Museum, operating through a duly developed constitution, as a non profit organization, had one hundred supporters cast ballots to select the inductees in three clearly defined categories: founder, old timer and athlete. The inaugural Induction Banquet was held on October 17, 1981 at the Roseland Golf Club. The first seven inductees whose portraits were displayed at Roseland, were Rev. Charles Armstrong (Founder); Eddie Dawson (Old-timer) and Tony Golab, Joe Krol, John W. Loaring, Ernestine Russell and Freddie Thomas (Athletes).

The present logo, designed by Elio Delcol, was adopted in 1989.

Since May 2000, the categories for inductee selection are two: Athlete and Founder. Also at this time new awards were established to recognize local National Championship Teams and Sports Clubs.

In 2005, the Board of Directors became responsible for the entire candidate selection process.
Any athlete who has brought honour and recognition to Windsor or Essex County through their athletic efforts and achievement in sport or as a founder through the development, management, or promotion of sports; provided that they are identified with Windsor/Essex County, and have made a significant contribution to local or regional sport as a positive role model, may be considered for induction into the Sports Hall of Fame.

Portrait Displays

1981 – 1995 - Roseland Golf & Curling Club

1995 – 1998 - Windsor Raceway

1996 – 2005 - The Bay, Devonshire Mall, Windsor

2000 – a new site was created at the Unico Arena, Kinsman Recreation Complex, Leamington and here seventy-two of the 137 portraits are displayed. At the present time, the remaining portraits are in storage.

Information kiosks are located at Devonshire Mall, St. Clair College and the Unico Arena In 2006 the new electronic display was placed outside the south entrance to Sears at Devonshire Mall.

At the 25th Anniversary Banquet, in 2006, as portraits were no longer being presented, a new award symbolizing the emblem of the Sports Hall of Fame was presented, to the Inductees.

The organization is now looking forward to 2008 and a permanent home in the new Greater Windsor Recreation & Sports Complex.