VANCOUVER, BC, MAY 15, 2010 – Today, the national historic significance of Harry Winston Jerome, one of Canada’s greatest track and field athletes of all time, was celebrated. On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley, today announced this new designation recommended by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
“Harry Jerome was a world-class athlete, Olympic medalist and an outstanding advocate of amateur sport and fitness in Canada,” said Warawa. “Our Government is proud to recognize his embodiment of the Olympic ideals of determination, achievement, and inclusivity. Harry Jerome has served as a source of pride for many Black Canadians and an inspiration for people across the country.”
Harry Jerome was one of the fastest men in the world for nearly a decade. He equaled and set numerous Canadian sprint records, as well as several world records. He participated in three Olympic Summer Games (1960, 1964, and 1968), winning a bronze medal in the 100- metre sprint in 1964. Later, he made important contributions to the development and promotion of amateur sport and fitness in Canada. His many honours include receiving the Order of Canada, and induction into the Canada and BC Sports Halls of Fame, Canadian Athletic Hall of Fame, and Canada’s Walk of Fame.
"The Jerome family is honoured that Harry is being recognized not just for his achievements as an athlete in the 1950s and 60s that culminated in six world records and Commonwealth, Pan American and Olympic medals; nor are we simply honoured by the recognition this accords him for his role as a civic leader, public servant, and educator in the 1970s and 80s who helped to create our federal Ministry of Sport,” said Valerie Jerome, sister of Harry Jerome. “We are honoured because we feel this designation also recognizes the generations of Black Canadians struggle for an equal place in Canada often goes unacknowledged, yet whose determination made both Harry's career and this honour possible."
“Today’s celebration is a fine example of our government’s commitment to honouring Canadians who have contributed to excellence in our country and to ensuring their stories are not forgotten,” said Minister Prentice. Harry Jerome’s contributions to Canada have been broad in their scope and long-lasting in their impact. He has inspired not only athletes, but also members of Black communities across Canada. I am delighted to know that his story will be told to future generations.”
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
John Aldag, Historic Sites Manager
Coastal British Columbia Field Unit
Parks Canada
604-513-4780
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Harry Winston Jerome (1940-1982)
