CHAMPIONS SPEAK - 2007 Hall of Fame Inductee Wilton "Willie" Littlechild - Athlete Builder
by Sandra Wright
Willie’s induction this
evening is in the athlete/builder category. Not only is
Willie an accomplished athlete at provincial, national and
international levels, he is also a world recognized builder
of sporting events. Willie has competed in hockey,
baseball, triathlon, diving and swimming and has won
championships and over fifty medals in these sports, many
“Athlete of the Year” awards as well as being inducted into
numerous Halls of Fame. Willie still competes at the senior
level and has recently been successful in the Canadian
Senior Games and the North American Indigenous Games.
Willie, you are a role model
for all seniors, sports has always been an integral part of
your life and no doubt contribute to your energy level and
your ability to maintain a busy schedule, you still find
time to play old timer hockey and train and compete in swim
meets. Let us in on your secrets for longevity!! All in
all, your athletic career and the recognition you have
received as a competitor certainly warrants your induction
into our Sports Hall of Fame.
However, it is in the building
category that Willie has made a significant contribution to
the lives of others. Since he was a young man Willie has
been involved in the administrative aspects of sport whether
it be managing, coaching, conducting clinics, officiating,
sponsoring or organizing leagues and championships. Again
these volunteer efforts have been at all levels, from local
to international. Co-founding the North American Indigenous
Games, probably Willie’s greatest achievement to date, has
given 10,000 athletes the opportunity to participate in a
celebration of life through sport and culture. Willie is
now at the forefront of creating the foundation for a World
Indigenous Nations Games. Taking part when the games become
a reality will be representatives from the over 300 million
Indigenous people of the world. BRAVO to you, Willie!
Willie’s involvement has not
been restricted to Indigenous communities due to his
personal belief that it is possible to build bridges between
aboriginal and non-aboriginal people through athletics.
Willie’s law and political career and his involvement on the
international stage as a sports advocate and member of
committees of the United Nations have also given him
opportunities to advance his belief in the importance of
sport. Because of his efforts promoting and organizing
athletic events, Willie has received many national and
international awards. If you take a tour of Willie’s office
in Hobbema, you will be impressed by the many awards that
adorn the walls. He has been recognized by the Canadian
Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame for Life Time Achievements as
a Sports Builder and has received the Order of Canada, the
International Medal of Honour for law and sports and the
World Fete d’Excellence Laureate for Sports in Geneva,
Switzerland, just to name a few.
A few years ago at an awards
ceremony for aboriginal students in Edmonton, Willie related
this message to the young people, a message he himself had
received from Cree Elders “Go where there is no path and
leave a trail for someone else.”
Willie, you are without doubt
the embodiment of this advice in your athletic, volunteer,
political and law careers. It is indeed with great honour
and pride that we induct you into the Wetaskiwin and County
Sports Hall of Fame. Presenting this award will be Jim
Pelehos, the past President of our Board.
