GAINESVILLE - Special recognition will be given this year by the Northeast Georgia History Center to the people involved with the 1996 Olympic competition on Lake Lanier.
A group of citizens organized almost as soon as Atlanta was chosen for the games to try and bring part of the competition to Gainesville. Their first choice was the equestrian events, but when that fell through, they turned to rowing and canoe-kayak events - and that proved successful.
Word of plans to honor those involved in the local Olympic effort comes as history center officials announce they are now accepting nominations for this year's Northeast Georgia Sports Hall of Fame inductees.
Last year's initial induction of 68 individuals from this area proved to be a highly regarded event according to Phil Jackson, former sports editor of the Times, who again will chair the Selection Committee.
"This year we are again inviting the public to nominate those individuals who they believe meet the basic set of criteria used for selection," Jackson said. "We look for those who have achieved national recognition in their particular sport. For example: being named All-American; being a starter on a team that has competed for a national championship; or being an important part of an organization such as Major League Baseball, the National Football League, The National Basketball Association, and the Olympics, etc."
Nomination forms are now available at the History Center, 322 Academy Street on the Brenau University campus or by calling 770-297-5900 and a form will be mailed to you.
The induction will be the feature attraction of the Northeast Georgia Sports Hall of Fame luncheon to be held Saturday, August 27 at Riverside Military Academy.
Thursday
October 10th, 2024
6:37PM
