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CANADA GAMES TO HONOUR ABDUL SHAIKH WITH HALL OF HONOUR INDUCTION

February 6, 2015

Vancouver, BC – Canada Games alumnus Abdul Shaikh was announced as one of four individuals to be inducted into the Canada Games Hall of Honour in 2015.

Since its inauguration at the 2007 Winter Games in Whitehorse, the Canada Games has held Hall of Honour induction ceremonies every two years, to coincide with the Summer and Winter Games. Shaikh will be part of the fifth class of inductees to this prestigious institution. 

“The Hall of Honour has become a true hallmark of the Canada Games, where we can pay tribute to the special people who have given so much to the movement,” says Sue Hylland, Canada Games Council President and CEO. “Adding these four individuals to an already prestigious list of people that includes Catriona Le May Doan, Roly McLenahan, Cassie Campbell, and of course Jack Pelech, is something that is near and dear to us at the Canada Games Council.”

Shaikh, whose involvement in the Canada Games began in 1971, will be honoured in the Builder category for his exceptional contribution to the development and advancement of the Canada Games Movement.

“My experience as a competitor in the Canada Games in Saskatoon in 1971 was memorable in that I won the gold in the Individual Men’s Doubles in badminton in partnership with Cam Dalgleish,” says Shaikh. “I also went as coach of the Saskatchewan Badminton Team at the 2003 Canada Games, and coach of the BC Badminton Team at the 2011 Canada Games.”

The Hall of Honour distinction by no means marks the end of Shaikh’s involvement in the Games. In fact, Shaikh was already headed to Prince George in February as Coach of Team BC Badminton.

Joining him as Team Manager is Phyllis Chan, a long-time pupil, National Team athlete, 2011 Canada Games medalist, and now a coaching apprentice under Abudl’s guidance. “For Team BC to have its coach recognized at the Games brings us tremendous pride. Abdul is such a truly remarkable man, and very deserving of this honour.”

Her remarks are echoed by Badminton BC’s Executive Director Penny Gardner. “Shaikh’s prolific career as both athlete and coach has earned him recognition from a number of Canadian institutions, but his involvement in the 2015 Games as Team BC’s coach makes this occasion extra special.”

Shaikh’s induction will take place in a ceremony at the Treasure Cove Casino on February 12th, 2015 as part of the opening celebrations for the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George. Shaikh will then take the reigns as Coach of Team BC during the badminton events from February 23 to 28. Catch the finals live on TSN!