Hazel McLeary played an instrumental role in building the sport of bowling locally, nationally and internationally

Hazel McLeary played an instrumental role in building the sport of bowling locally, nationally and internationally. Women tenpin bowlers, in Victoria and around the world have been affected through the behind the scenes work of McLeary. She has been an avid bowler since 1953 and got involved in the administration of the sport early in the 1960's, as an executive member of the Victoria Women's Bowling Association. McLeary represented her city, province and country on numerous technical committees and association executive boards over a 40-plus year career. Having accomplished much as an organizer at the local, provincial and national levels, this energetic volunteer tossed her hat into the ring at the international level in 1970 and became a director on the Women's International Bowling Congress board. She served in various capacities with the WIBC before retiring from the board in 2000. Her efforts were helpful in bridging the gap between the Canadian bowlers and the primarily American governing body. Besides promoting women's bowling, McLeary was an influential mentor to youth bowlers since the 1960's. In 2004 she served as tournament director for the Americas Zone Youth Championship and the World Championships. She traveled the world in service of her sport and has been honoured with many distinguished service awards and permanent memberships in numerous associations.

Robert Foster

At one time Foster, affectionately nicknamed "Tulip" or "the Professor" was a prizefighter of some repute and he trained Canada's world heavyweight boxing champion, Tommy Burns. However, his greatest sporting impact was through the guidance of young men in Victoria during the final years of his life. He had virtually given up boxing when he arrived from Tenby, Wales in B.C.'s capital in 1888. Foster - or Robert Hill, as he was born - found his calling coaching local sports. Foster was hired as resident caretaker of Caledonia Park on Niagara St. and he soon assumed a leadership role in sporting circles and was an important mentor to many young athletes. Foster was acknowledged as the "dean of Canadian trainers" through his involvement with championship teams amongst which were the 1894 Victoria Field Lacrosse team, Island and B.C. champion Victoria Wanderers soccer team of 1896 and the Provincial champion Victoria Crimson Tide rugby side of 1899. Bob's headstone at Ross Bay Cemetery says it all: "AN ATHLETE WHO DEVOTED A RESIDENCE OF 20 YEARS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUNG MEN OF VICTORIA IN THE FORM OF MANLY EXERCISE"

saveonABOUT THE GREATER VICTORIA
SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Victoria enjoys a stellar sports history and we celebrate the many athletes, teams and builders who have contributed to that history.  Our displays are seen at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (1925 Blanshard St.)  through Gate Three.

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