Gary McPherson
Wheelchair Sports Builder - Inducted 1993
Gary McPherson has worked tirelessly with provincial and national organizations devoted to the development of sports for disabled persons. He was the General Manager of the Alberta Northern Lights Wheelchair Basketball Society; co-founder of the Challenge Cup Basketball Association; and, managed the Canadian Men's Wheelchair Basketball team in 1979 and in 1983. He volunteers as President of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association and acts as Chairman of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Gary McPherson's dedication has earned him the Canadian Rehabilitation Council for Disabled Outstanding Contribution Award and, the Donald King Memorial Award presented by the Sports Federation of Canada for outstanding volunteer service.
After Induction
On November 16, 1995, the University of Alberta Senate recognized Gary's contribution to the community by awarding him an Honorary doctorate of Laws Degree. In June of 1998 he joined the University of Alberta as the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Social Entrepreneurship (CCSE) in the Faculty of Business. His is also an Adjunt Professor, as well as a Special Lecturer and Advisor in the faculty of Physical Education & Recreation.
Prior to joining the University, Dr. McPherson served for 10 years as Chairman of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities providing advice to the Alberta Government.
Gary McPherson received the Order of Canada in 2003 for his advocacy for people with disabilities. In 2004 he was named one of the top 100 Edmontonians of the Century. In 2005 he was named one of the Top 100 Contributors to Sport in Alberta over the past century - receiving the Alberta Centennial Salute for Sport and Recreation award. In 2007 he received the Alberta Order of Excellence, and the Lois Hole Community Development Award.
List of honours and awards
1990 - Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame
1995 - University of Alberta - Honorary Doctor of Laws degree
2003 - Order of Canada
2004 - Top -100 Edmontonians of the Century
2005 - Alberta Centennial Salute for Sport and Recreation (Top 100 contributors to sport in Alberta over the past century)
2007 - Alberta Order of Excellence
2007 - Lois Hole Community Development Award
Gary passed away May 8, 2010
