One of the main events during Silver City Days past has been a ceremony honouring inductees for the Greater Trail Home of Champions (HOC) monument in downtown Trail, but not this year.
The committee that runs the nomination and presentation program haven't received enough submissions to warrant a ceremony during this year's springtime celebrations.
Jamie Forbes, with the HOC society, says the program currently has two future inductees waiting in the wings for their moment in the spotlight, but the society only holds a ceremony when they have a total of five accepted nominations.
“We try to hold this ceremony on the Silver City Days weekend, as it ties in nicely with the community spirit and pride that is generated by the HOC program,” he said, adding that the program has had a very successful 20 years. “To date, 142 individuals and groups have been recognized on the monument and we currently have two that have been accepted for the next ceremony.”
A quick stroll by the Home of Champions plaques will show the musicians, businesspeople and more who have earned their spot on the downtown monument, located at Farwell Street and Cedar Avenue.
Forbes says the low number of nomination packages this past year could have to do with misconceptions about who qualifies for the honour. Recognizing athletes is just part of what the society hopes to accomplish.
“It is important to clarify that the HOC program is not just about recognizing athletes,” he said. “I don't even know if athletes make up the majority of the inductees. There are three categories in which a champion may be grouped: sports, lifestyle and business and science.”
Another misconception about the HOC nomination process is that all nominees have to be from Trail.
“There may be someone who is deserving of the honour, but their achievements are not well known,” said Forbes, adding that that person might be from Fruitvale, or Montrose or Rossland.
Even though they are short three accepted honourees, both Forbes and Lisa Pasin, the Trail council representative on the HOC board, say the program is extremely important to Trail and the surrounding communities.
“It is important, as a community, that we recognize those that have achieved success and take the opportunity to celebrate with each other,” said Pasin, adding that the program shows no signs of shutting or slowing down.
“Greater promotion (of the HOC program) is important because recognition of citizens creates a greater sense of community for our citizens and strengthens community pride. The board wants to recognize everyone that should be on the monument from the Greater Trail Area.”
The board accepts nominations all year round. Specific criteria and the proper forms for a nominations can be found on the City of Trail website, or by contacting Forbes at jfforbes@telus.net.
“(We) encourage residents to nominate anyone they feel may be deserving of being recognized on the monument,” said Forbes.
“It is a very special honour and one to be proud of.”