The seven original inductees at the unveiling of the Olympic Wall at Queens Place Emera Centre. Photo: Evan Taylor
David Rudderham and Brian Ward were posthumously inducted into the Queens County Olympic Wall at the Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool on Tuesday.
The posthumous inductions of Rudderham and Ward, while tinged with sadness, brought forth a strong sense of pride in their athletic achievements and contributions to the community, said Darlene Norman, Mayor of Region of Queens Municipality.
The Olympic Wall at Queens Place Emera Centre stands as a testament to outstanding world-class athletic accomplishments. Its inductees serve as role models, exemplifying the potential for small-community athletes to compete with, coach, or train alongside the world’s best.
The lobby of Queens Place Emera Centre was abuzz with family, friends, and supporters who gathered to celebrate the induction of the two new members. The Queens Olympic Wall recognizes the accomplishments of high-performance athletes, coaches, and officials from Queens County who have participated in World Olympic, World Special Olympic, and World Paralympic Games.
With the addition of David Rudderham and Brian Ward, the number of inductees now stands at nine.
David Rudderham, Wheelchair Basketball
Family members of David Rudderham at his induction ceremony. Photo: Submitted by RoQ.
David Rudderham, a paraplegic athlete, represented Canada on the world stage for 14 years. A member of the Nova Scotia Flying Wheels, he proudly played for the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball team at the 1976 Olympiad for the Disabled in Toronto, Ontario. In 1994, David was inducted into the Queens County Sport Honour Roll for his outstanding achievements in wheelchair athletics and his contribution to sport in Queens. Residing in Port Mouton, he was an avid traveler, having explored over 40 countries.
Brian Ward, Para Archery
Family members of Brian Ward at his induction ceremony. Photo: Submitted by RoQ.
Brian Ward, hailing from Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, served in the RCAF. In 1963, while stationed in Marvel, France, he suffered an injury that led him to pursue wheelchair sports. Competing as a member of the Canadian Para Archery team at the 1980 Arnhem, Netherlands; 1988 Seoul, South Korea; and the 1992 Barcelona, Spain Paralympic Games, Brian left a lasting legacy. In 1993, he was honored with the title of Sport Nova Scotia Athlete of the Year for Wheelchair Sports and Archery. He was known for his generosity and unwavering support of charities focused on youth.
