BRAMPTON, ON (March 27, 2024) – To celebrate sporting excellence and community contribution, the City of Brampton is inducting six remarkable individuals into its Sports Hall of Fame for the year 2024.
Since establishing the Sports Hall of Fame in 1979, the City of Brampton has recognized outstanding athletic achievements and contributions to the development of sport in the community. With a focus on honouring both past and present Brampton residents, the City’s Sports Hall of Fame annually inducts individuals in the categories of Athletes, Builders, Veterans and Teams, with the public actively encouraged to submit nominations.
This year's inductees embody the diverse talent and achievements defining Brampton's sporting heritage. They include:
Faraz Saleem, Builder, Cricket
Faraz Saleem is a cricketing stalwart with over 23 years of dedicated service. He founded the Brampton Cricket League and spearheaded innovative initiatives such as automated live game scoring and permanent lights. As the president of the league, he continues to drive the growth of cricket in Brampton. Off the field, Faraz is a community advocate, supporting various initiatives and addressing social issues, leaving a lasting impact on both sport and society.
Lexie Ward, Athlete, Trampoline/Gymnastics
Lexie Ward is a former elite trampoline gymnast who represented Ontario provincially, nationally and internationally. With a career spanning from 2004 to 2016, she achieved success at events such as the Canada Cup and Canadian National Championships. In 2015, Lexie obtained a coaching certification to mentor young athletes. While she retired from competitive gymnastics, Lexie currently operates her own fitness coaching business focused on empowering women to build strength, confidence and a healthy lifestyle.
Louise Barton, Builder, Swimming
Louise Barton, a dedicated sports administrator in Brampton for over 20 years, made significant contributions to the COBRA Swim Club. Her leadership as President led to the club's success at all levels of competition. Beyond COBRA, Louise is involved in sports associations and has received prestigious awards for her community service and volunteerism. She continues to give back to the community through her volunteer work.
Rick Hay, Veteran, Ice Hockey
Rick Hay is an award-winning coach who has made significant contributions to hockey and the sports community locally and beyond. As a standout player for the Toronto Marlboros and coach and owner of the Bramalea Blues, he played a key role in player development. Operating a hockey school in the 1970s and 80s, Rick's innovative techniques helped players improve their skills. He also contributed to the development of composite hockey sticks. His legacy lives on through his grandson, National Hockey League (NHL) star Sean Monahan.
Sheldon Keefe, Athlete, Ice Hockey
Sheldon Keefe is a successful hockey player and coach who began his hockey journey at a young age with the Chinguacousy Minor Hockey Association. He went on to excel with the Toronto Young Nationals, winning championships and later being drafted into the NHL. Transitioning into coaching, Sheldon achieved accolades with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, before taking on the head coach position for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019. In his first year of coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team made history with the best start of any coach in franchise history under his leadership. In 1999, he founded the Sheldon Keefe Fund to support underprivileged children in the Brampton Youth Hockey Association.
Steve Nijjar, Builder, Soccer
Steve Nijjar is a renowned soccer player and coach and can be credited for putting Brampton on the soccer map. From his days at West Humber High School to owning Brampton's first professional soccer team, he has shown exceptional talent and leadership. As a coach, he led his team to a championship in the Canadian Professional Soccer League (CPSL) and coached the CPSL All-Star team. Nijjar's commitment to youth development is evident in his training of aspiring athletes, aiming to drive them to success. A vested owner of Titan Sportsplex Niagara, he continues to focus on nurturing young athletes toward professional soccer careers.
Brampton’s Sports Hall of Fame is housed within the CAA Centre. Residents and visitors are welcome to view it to reflect and celebrate the sporting history within the community.
Save the date
Annual Brampton Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
6 pm Reception
7 pm Ceremony
The Rose
1 Theatre Ln, Brampton, ON, L6V 0A3
Tickets are on sale. General admission tickets are $55 for adults and $27.50 for children (12 and under). For more information and to purchase tickets to the induction ceremony, visit
www.brampton.ca/shof.
2025 Nomination Process
Nominations for 2025 inductees are open. Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to nominate potential inductees. The deadline for nominations is June 14, 2024.
Nominees must have a connection to Brampton and have made outstanding contributions and achievements in sport.
There are four categories of membership in the City of Brampton's Sports Hall of Fame:
- Athletes
- Builders - all members other than athletes
- Veterans - may be either athletes or builders who have concluded their careers
- Teams
Quotes
"Congratulations to the six outstanding individuals being inducted into the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. Faraz Saleem, Lexie Ward, Louise Barton, Rick Hay, Sheldon Keefe and Steve Nijjar have each left a significant mark on Brampton's sporting legacy, showcasing their talent and unwavering dedication that defines our community. I encourage everyone to attend our annual Induction Ceremony to honour these individuals who embody sports excellence in Brampton and serve as true inspirations for our city.”- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
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