2010 WORLD YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT RECIPIENT
 

Standing L-R: Jay Bonetta, Bernie O'Keefe, John Fortunato, Paul Castolene, Chris Cassin, Hank Lodge, John Fasolo, Mark Ziogas, Jim Bates, Jr, David Greenleaf.  Seated L-R: George Redman, Ellen Benham, Brian Farrell, Sr., Gail Ericson, David Mills, Bob Kalat, Tom Ragaini, Ellie Wilson and Bob Montgomery. Absent: Ed Fournier, Bob Freimuth Ed Swicklas and Mark Redman.

Bristol has long enjoyed a rich history in sports. The founding fathers insured that sports would always be part of Bristol's way of life by donating land for parks and foundations to support them. Bristol's industrialists, going back to the nineteenth century have supported athletic competition and over the years have sponsored many teams in various sports. As a result, Bristol has been endowed with a rich sports history. For over one hundred years this sports tradition has continued to grow and has become part of the fabric of our everyday lives.

In 1997, the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame was founded to honor this tradition and a vision was created: To permanently honor, document and preserve distinctive contribution and achievements to the sports heritage of Bristol.

Each year a number of people who represent the best in Bristol's sport history are inducted into the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame. The names of the nominees are submitted by the public and are given to the BSHOF to be processed by the selection panel and presented to the Board of Directors for induction.

In 1999 the BSHOF decided to transition into a service organization by sponsoring many activities that benefitted all sectors of the community.

The initial emphasis was on the high schools students with the Scholar/Athlete program. This program is staged annually and features students that have excelled in their athletic and scholastic achievements. In a partnership with the Bristol Board of Education and the Bristol Parks and Recreation Department, BSHOF sponsors a track and field event open to all elementary school children in the city.

In 2003, BSHOF initialed their Leadership Council. Featured is a business leader or a sports figure who addresses the subject of leadership. Underclassmen fromt he three area high school athletic teams are given the opportunity to discuss their leadership responsibilities in a roundtable discussion with educators and BSHOF directors.

The BSHOF is also active in supporting other annual activities like the Bristol Library Festival of Trees, the Bristol Mum Festival, the fundraiser BSHOF Volleyball Tournament and the annual Golf Tournament. When available, the BSHOF sponsors a Speakers Night to the public. Coaches Nigh is held to honor all coaches in Bristol. These programs are presented free to the public.

The BSHOF has created a website which is becoming the single source of Bristol Sports History: www.bshof.org.   This site offers information that will keep visitors informed of the best in Bristol sports.