MPs join campaign to honour Frederick Heather

As many as 22 former and current Members of Parliament and seven senators have written letters of endorsement to induct Frederick Heather into the 2012 Canada Sports Hall of Fame. Heather, who played a major role in the growth and development of cricket in Canada, moved to the country from England in 1921 and died in Toronto in 1976. Heather is being nominated in the Builder’s category for the Sports Hall of Fame – the category recognises “outstanding contribution to Canadian sport as a leader, administrator, official, coach, business leader, and media or in other roles.”

Upon retiring as a player, Heather took to umpiring and also became an administrator, as a secretary for two clubs, a founding member and first secretary-treasurer of the Toronto District Cricket Umpire’s Association and the first secretary of the Canadian Umpire’s Control Board. He began umpiring in 1929 and was Canada’s longest-serving umpire when he retired. He was also appointed to several international assignments, including the inaugural first-class match in Canada held against the MCC. Heather also started a school for cricket umpires and started a junior cricket league in Toronto, which led to the formation of 18 junior clubs that included more than 300 players.

“The support and praise for Heather’s contributions as a builder of Canadian cricket have been overwhelming with a total of 43 written endorsements,” a press release stated. “There are Olympic medalists, CEOs, mayors, and authors who have joined the effort to have cricket recognised in Canada. Heather’s contributions to cricket can be read on the Cricket Canada website. Unfortunately, Canada does not have a cricket hall of fame, although Heather was inducted into the US Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010.

“Our Members of Parliament promote that 2012 be the year Canadians are inspired by Heather’s outstanding achievements, through his inclusion to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.”