Inductees will be showcased at the Sports Hall of Fame exhibition at Zancor Centre
Township of King, Ont. (March 4, 2026) —King Township has marked a historic celebration of local athletic excellence with the inaugural induction ceremony for the King Township Sports Hall of Fame.
The ceremony took place on February 26 during the 2026 Mayor’s Cultural Gala at The Manor Event Venue, and honoured four individuals whose achievements have shaped King Township’s sporting legacy, instilled community spirit and pride, and inspired the next generation of local athletes with their stories.
Established in 2025 with the opening of Zancor Centre, the King Township Sports Hall of Fame highlights the rich sporting history of the local community and honours those who have made a lasting impact on their chosen sporting discipline in various capacities. New inductees will be welcomed biennially during the Mayor’s Cultural Gala, with their achievements celebrated through the Sports Hall of Fame exhibition. This public display, located opposite to the fieldhouse in Zancor Centre, will be unveiled this spring. Stay tuned for further details regarding its opening in the coming weeks.
Introducing the inaugural class of King Township’s Sports Hall of Fame:
Builder Award: James “Jim” Elder
Jim is one of Canada’s most accomplished equestrians, having competed in six Olympic Games between 1956 and 1984 and winning both gold and bronze medals for Canada. A key figure in elevating Canadian show jumping on the world stage, he was part of the legendary trio with James Day and Thomas Gayford that secured major international victories in the late 1960s and 1970s. Elder spent decades contributing to equestrian sport in King Township and the surrounding area, recognized locally as one of the region’s most notable Olympians. His legacy is cemented through numerous honours, including induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Coach Award: Mike Kitchen
Mike Kitchen is a Canadian former NHL defenceman and long-time coach. He began his hockey journey with the Schomberg Red Wings before advancing to Junior A and winning the 1975 Memorial Cup. He went on to play for the Colorado Rockies and New Jersey Devils before beginning a coaching career that included roles with the Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, and the Chicago Blackhawks, where he helped win the 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cups. Known for his defensive expertise and leadership, Kitchen has coached in more than 2,400 NHL games, making him one of the league’s most experienced bench coaches.
Athlete Award: Rosannagh “Rosie” MacLennan
Born in King Township, Rosie MacLennan is a two-time Olympic trampoline champion and the first athlete in her sport to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016. She has also earned multiple World Championship titles and Pan American Games gold medals, making her one of Canada’s most successful gymnasts. Known for her high difficulty routines and exceptional consistency, MacLennan has represented Canada at four Olympic Games and served as Team Canada’s flag bearer at Rio 2016.
Legacy Award: Suzanne Morrow Francis
Suzanne Morrow (Francis) was a Canadian figure skater who won the bronze medal in pairs at the 1948 Winter Olympics alongside Wallace Diestelmeyer. The pair also made history at those Games by performing the first one handed death spiral in Olympic competition. In addition to her pairs success, she excelled in singles, placing 14th in 1948 and 6th in 1952 at the Winter Olympics. After retiring from competition, she became a prominent judge and official and, in 1988, was the first woman to take the Olympic Judge’s Oath at the Calgary Winter Games.
Learn more and nominate a local athlete at kingheritageandculture.ca/SportsHallOfFame.
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Mayor of King Township, Steve Pellegrini
“King Township is proud to welcome the inaugural class of trailblazing athletes into the Sports Hall of Fame. Their accomplishments represent the pillars of local excellence and serve as a testament to the local legends who strengthen the cultural fabric of the community – making King such a spectacular place to call home.”
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Media Contact(s)
Township of King
Carling Fee, Communications Specialist
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-4575 | Email: media@king.ca