Niagara’s sport history in spotlight

Brightly coloured banners telling the story of sport in Niagara are now on view in the Rankin Family Pavilion, thanks to Brock University students in HIST/CANA 3F02. The exhibit, “Canada Games @ Brock History,” was researched and designed by students during Winter Term. Students chose a selection of sports and sporting themes related to Niagara’s heritage, the Canada Games and the work of the Canada Games in promoting equity in sport. Associate Professor Elizabeth Vlossak and History student Kirsten Koop are shown checking out the banner exploring Niagara’s connection to water that Koop created with classmates. Using historic images and text, the banners explore notable Niagara athletes in wrestling, lacrosse, basketball and cycling, and how those sports developed in Niagara. Other banners explore the connection between military and sport, and the development of sports for disabled athletes. Students undertook their research with help of the Brock University Library's Archives and Special Collections as well as the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, St. Catharines Museum, Sport Oral History Archive and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame. The banners will be on display for the duration of the Canada Games, which conclude Sunday, Aug. 21.