Five builders and athletes honoured for lasting impact on Kingston-area sports
The Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, recognizing five individuals whose dedication and achievements have left a lasting mark on local and national sport. We got the initial reaction from each of the inductees.
Baseball builder Steven Thomas Vallier is inducted for more than three decades of service with the Kingston Baseball Association. Known as the “heart of Kingston baseball,” Vallier helped rebuild the league, growing participation from just 79 players to more than 500. Vallier said that when he got the call with the announcement, he was lost for words.
Sports journalism builder Corrie (Kraats) Abrams is inducted for her decades of volunteer work and storytelling, including her long-running Corrie’s Corner column. She also served as president of the Hall of Fame and received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024. Abrams says that she was in disbelief and feels as though, all her hard work has paid off.
Football inductee Rob Bagg is recognized for his standout career at Queen’s University and an 11-year CFL run with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, highlighted by a Grey Cup championship and multiple league honours. Bagg explains that he's looked up to a lot of the previous athletes from the Sports Hall of Fame since he was a kid.
Journalism builder Douglas Graham is inducted for his long career at the Kingston Whig-Standard and his leadership in developing high school baseball and curling programs. Graham expresses his appreciation as he's written lots about past inductees over the years.
Harness racing inductee John MacMillan rounds out the class, honoured for nearly 40 years in the sport, more than 1,800 wins, and leadership as a driver, trainer and announcer. Alex MacMillan speaks on behalf of John MacMillan.
The Class of 2026 inductees will be formally inducted in May of this year.
Story by Alyssa Brush
