Public invited to 2026 Sports Wall of Fame induction ceremony

The City of Medicine Hat invites residents to the 2026 Sports Wall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday, May 31 at Big Marble Go Centre. This year’s inductees are Robert Grisonich, Wade Peterson, and Wes King-Hunter.

The Sports Wall of Fame ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the Big Marble Go Centre gymnasium. The event will be filmed and posted on the City’s YouTube channel.

Robert Grisonich has been recognized for his long‑standing contributions to volleyball and basketball. He was heavily involved in school athletics from the beginning of his teaching career in 1980 until he retired in 2014. Beyond school athletics, he has chaired and organized numerous provincial and national sporting events in Medicine Hat and continues to contribute by helping plan the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

Wade Peterson has been recognized for his lifelong contributions to boxing. He began his boxing career with a stint from 1979 to 1986. Returning to the ring in 2017 at the age of 51, he won multiple provincial titles and captured a Golden Gloves Belt. He also built an extensive career as a referee and judge, officiating at national and international events worldwide. These included Pre‑Olympic qualifiers and serving as a referee and judge at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he officiated the main event. He continues to coach at the Medicine Hat Boxing and Fitness Club and has earned credentials as a World Boxing Referee and Judge Evaluator.

Wes King-Hunter has been recognized for more than 35 years of exceptional contributions to volleyball as a coach, educator, and builder in Medicine Hat and beyond. After moving to the city in 1988, he coached at nearly every level. He co‑founded the South East Alberta Volleyball Club, led high school and college teams with provincial success, served with Canadian national programs, and continued to mentor athletes through the CHHS Volleyball Academy. In addition to coaching, Wes has held numerous leadership roles with provincial volleyball organizations and boards, earning induction into the Volleyball Alberta Hall of Fame in 2017.

“The Sports Wall of Fame celebrates excellence in sport by honouring past and present leaders who inspire future generations,” said Michael Ractliffe, Superintendent of Recreation Services with the City of Medicine Hat. “Robert, Wade, and Wes exemplify this spirit through their unwavering dedication and the lasting impact they have made on their respective sports and the Medicine Hat sporting community.”

Nominations for the Sports Wall of Fame are accepted year-round with an annual cutoff date September 30.

For more information on the Sports Wall of Fame, visit medicinehat.ca/walloffame. Bios for 2026 inductees will be included after the induction ceremony.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca