BRAMPTON, ON (March 29, 2022) – Each year, the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame (BSHF) celebrates the accomplishments of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of sport in Brampton. In 2022, the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame welcomes six new inductees for excellence in sport.
Frank Fascia will be inducted into the Builder category for his dedication to baseball. He began playing minor baseball in Brampton in 1983, and went on to play in the NCAA. He was a founding member of the Brampton Senior Twins in 1991, coached Brampton Minor Baseball Inc. in 2007 and has served in a variety of positions with COBA and Baseball Ontario. In 2022, he was named the head coach of the inaugural baseball team at Sheridan College.
Praimnauth (Praim) Persaud will be inducted into the Builder category for his dedication to cricket. This former cricket player and administrator was inducted in the United States of America Cricket Hall of Fame in 2020 for his 45 years of service to the growth and development in Quebec for 10 years before his involvement in Ontario for the past 35 years. He has played a major role in cricket’s growth in Brampton, wherein cricket has expanded from 15 clubs to 62 in just five years.
Pat O’Toole will be inducted into the Athlete category for his dedication to lacrosse. He has lived in Brampton since 1998, and has been honoured for his accomplishments as a player and coach at both box and field lacrosse at the minor, major and international levels. He played 12 of his 16 seasons with the Rochester Knighthawks, with which he is still active as an assistant coach. He is also a former President of the Brampton Minor Lacrosse Association.
Tamara Tatham will be inducted into the Athlete category for her dedication to basketball. Her international playing career includes 164 games representing Canada, 157 at the senior level beginning in 2007. She won gold at the 2015 FIBA America's qualifying tournament and the 2015 Pan Am Games. She has also played in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and has garnered many titles abroad. After she retired, she served as a coach for several teams.
Dev Sharma will be inducted into the Veteran category for his dedication to track and field. He has garnered many medals, even after he turned 80 in 2015. From 1988 to 2016, he collected 203 medals, including medals at the Canadian Masters Athletics Indoor and Outdoor Championships and the Ontario Masters Athletics Indoors and Outdoor Championships. He has also competed and won medals at the 2016 Canada 55+ Games in Brampton and the Brampton District 55+ Games.
Wally Slocki will be inducted into the Veteran category for his dedication to martial arts. He is a black belt who has won many trophies as a contestant and was recognized as “the Legendary Canadian” at tournaments all over the United States. He won the Canadian championship in 1967, 1968 and 1970, and the Ontario championship in 1972, 1973 and 1974. Slocki has a passion to teach and in the late 1960’s opened Eastern Karate in downtown Brampton, which later expanded to be known as the Canadian School of Health and Self Defense. He continues to train and teach customized corporate management seminars.
To learn more about the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame and its inductees, visit
www.brampton.ca/bshf.
The Brampton Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1979 by a group of dedicated sport enthusiasts in conjunction with the City of Brampton. It is located in the CAA Centre on 7575 Kennedy Road South.
2022 Induction CeremonyThe 41st annual Brampton Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 3 at 6 pm at The Rose Brampton, featuring keynote speaker Ken Reid of Sportsnet Central and Sportsnet 590 The FAN. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at
www.rosetheatre.ca.
2023 NominationsDo you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to sports in our city? Download a nomination form for 2023! Nominations will be accepted until June 15, 2022.
Quotes“Congratulations to the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022! This year’s inductees have made outstanding contributions and achievements in sport in our community, demonstrating leadership and drive along the way. We are so proud that these inductees call Brampton home.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton“The Brampton Sports Hall of Fame honours the past, present and future of sport in our city. The 2022 inductees are distinguished leaders who have brought pride and inspiration to Brampton throughout their sports careers. I invite everyone to attend this year’s in-person induction ceremony on May 3 to celebrate sport in our community.”
- Jeff Bowman, City Councillor Wards 3 & 4; Member, Brampton Sports Hall of Fame Committee, City of Brampton“We are excited to announce the 2022 Brampton Sports Hall of Fame inductees. The six new inductees are individuals who have been committed to driving sport forward in our community. If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to sport in Brampton – nominate them for 2023.”
- Doug Whillans, City Councillor Wards 2 & 6; Member, Brampton Sports Hall of Fame Committee, City of Brampton“The Brampton Sports Hall of Fame celebrates sport in our community and outstanding individuals who drive athletics forward in Brampton and beyond. Join us in May for the induction ceremony, and nominate someone for 2023.”
- Paul Morrison, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton