Week of Remembrance

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WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE

There are more than 100 Athletes and Builders in Canada's Sports Hall of Fame who served in the military. During this week of remembrance, we would like to highlight a few of these extraordinary individuals and share how you can learn more about their stories.
Very few athletes create a legacy that touches the hearts of multiple generations; Tom Longboat is such an athlete. Often considered by many to be one of the best long-distance runners, gifted with speed, agility, and endurance, Longboat also served in the military. He took the oath of service in 1916 to serve his country during the First World War as a dispatch courier with the 107th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Learn more about Tom Longboat
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Decoteau made a name for himself by winning races across Alberta and smashing records along the way. In 1911, Alex broke another barrier by joining the City of Edmonton’s police force, becoming Canada’s first Indigenous police officer. Taking a leave from the Edmonton Police Service in 1916, Alex enlisted with the 202nd Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Forces. Later transferring to the 49th Battalion, Alex used his athletic abilities, serving as a dispatch runner in the trenches during the First World War.

Learn more about Alex Decoteau
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In 1944 Roach-Leuszler was named Canada's all-round athlete of the year by a sports reporter and that same year she was one of 150,000 women to join the pioneering Canadian Women's Army Corp (CWAC). Facing a hostile public opinion, these were the first women - other than nurses - to make a significant contribution to the military alongside their male counterparts. Prior to this time, women's roles in Canadian society had typically been at home and in care-giving occupations but service in the CWAC was the first time these traditional roles began to change.

Learn more about Hall of Famers who served in the military.
*Travelling 2D exhibit is currently on display at
The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (Red Deer, AB)*