Annual Induction Ceremony and 2020 Olympics Exhibits Keep Oregon Sports Hall of Fame Busy in September and October
On September 24, the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and Museum held its 39th annual induction ceremony at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland. We inducted Mark Radford and Ray Blume, Oregon State basketball stars from the late 70s; Molly McConnell, National Golden Gloves and world champion welterweight boxer; Dr. Bob Gill, outstanding high school and college football player, and all around sports enthusiast and organizational leader; 1975 Portland Timbers (NASL Champions); and Kenny Moore, All American and Olympics distance runner and long time track and field writer for Sports Illustrated.
In October, we mounted a special, “Countdown to Tokyo 2020” pre-Olympics exhibit in the lobby of KGW CH8, Portland’s NBC affiliate, who share offices with NBC Sports Northwest, and will broadcast the 2020 Olympics. Photos and bios of 30 Oregon Olympians are on display.
In addition, a special section features artifacts worn by 2 world famous Oregon Olympians: Steve Prefontaine’s Oregon letterman’s jacket, a running singlet and a Nike waffle trainer shoe, with Prefontaine photos and bio; and Don Schollander, Olympic swimming medalist, parade jacket, and Saturday Evening Post cover photo of Schollander festooned with his medals.
Finally, the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame will loan the new USA Olympic and Paralympic Museum, in Colorado Springs, a pair of Prefontaine Nike waffle trainer shoes to exhibit prior to and through the 2020 Tokyo Games.
It’s been a busy few months with no letup in sight…..planning is already underway for celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2020. Stay tuned for special events…..to follow, soon.