Martial artist Albert Mady during the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Caboto Club in Windsor, October 21, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Martial artist Albert Mady during the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Caboto Club in Windsor, October 21, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor

Windsor-Essex Natives Recognized By Sports Hall Of Fame

A number of athletes from Windsor and Essex County have been recognized for their sporting accomplishments.

The Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame officially inducted its Class of 2016 on Friday at the at the Giovanni Caboto Club.  Six athletes and three builders had their names added to the hall.

One of the athletes inducted, Windsor-born martial artist Albert Mady, says he felt very honoured to have his name next to so many talented athletes.

"[It] means a lot because it's local and it was another martial artist who chose me, so that's a great thing," he says. "It hits me in a great way."

Mady says Windsor has a great martial arts culture that has been around for a long time. In 1981, Mady opened his first martial arts school in Windsor, which remains in existence today, along with 18 affiliated schools across Canada.

"I think it's very important that traditional martial arts is being recognized. Right now the big thing is MMA, but people forget the big MMA stars came from traditional martial arts," says Mady, was the first Canadian to achieve a ninth degree black belt in Ku Dan Isshin-Ryu karate.

Other athletes inducted during Friday's ceremony, were Ed Jovanovski (hockey), Linda McCurdy (track and field), Tom Nelson (baseball), Brett Romberg (football), and Krista Shearer-Kersey (martial arts). The three builders inducted are John McKibbon (triathlon), Lamon Kersey (martial arts) and Bob Marchand (baseball).

Special Recognition was also given to Windsor South Canadians Little League and the Essex County Junior Golf Tournament.

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