Canadian History Museum with relics from the Sports Hall of Fame

The Canadian Museum of History is showcasing clothing, equipment and other artifacts from sports history in a new exhibit.

“Canada’s Got Game!” will be on display at the museum until October 6, 2024. It features items from the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and from the Canadian History Museum’s own collection.

“Visitors celebrate sport through three themes – dynamic winners, controversy and challenging expectations – and can explore objects from some of Canada’s legendary sports personalities,” the museum says. “The exhibition features information panels and nine display cases containing objects that reflect a diverse range of sports and Canadian athletes throughout time.”

You can see more on the museum’s website.

Here are some of the items on display (descriptions from the Canadian Museum of History):

Olympic parka worn by skier Jim Hunter, 1972

Olympic parka worn by skier Jim Hunter, 1972 (Canadian Museum of History)

“In 1972, 12 seamstresses from Iqaluit gathered to sew Olympic parkas for Team Canada. Each parka was designed in the standard red and white of the Canadian flag and hand-decorated with white wolf fur trim and caribou bone buttons.”

Hockey skates worn by Jarome Iginla, circa 2002

Hockey skates worn by Jarome Iginla, circa 2002 (Canadian Museum of History)

“Jarome Iginla wore these skates in 2002. That year he won three National Hockey League awards and Olympic gold. An exceptional player, Iginla is equally known for encouraging his teammates.”

Olympic torch with engraving of the imperial eagle, 1936

Olympic torch with engraving of the imperial eagle, 1936 (Canadian Museum of History)

“The torch relay for the modern Olympic Games began in 1936. It was part of Nazi propaganda aimed at putting Germany back on the world stage. The flame traveled through five countries promoting the games.”

The Edmonton Commercial Graduates: wool basketball jersey worn by Kay MacRitchie, circa 1939

Wool basketball jersey worn by Kay MacRitchie, circa 1939 (Canadian Museum of History)

“In the 1920s and 1930s, women’s teams such as the Edmonton Grads basketball club drew large crowds. Even though it was expected that “women came first and female athletes came second,” the Grads still dominated the court.”