List of Inductees 2018
Hugh
Wong
Builder
Over the 40 plus years of his active involvement as a volleyball coach, administrator and builder, Hugh Wong has been a leader and committed to improving the sport and dedicating his time and energy as a volunteer. Hugh championed the sport at the local level through his leadership with Kelowna Volleyball Club, at the provincial level through his innovation in creating Team BC, and with his leadership as the President of Volleyball BC, at the national level as a visionary leader as President of Volleyball Canada and Chair of numerous committees, and at the international level serving on the board of both the NORCECA Federation and the international governing body, the FIVB, where he has made the greatest impact on our sport.
Hugh debuted as a coach of a Kelowna junior boys’ volleyball team in 1975. This sparked his passion for coaching and sport leadership. During the 1980s, Hugh was focused on growing the sport by travelling throughout BC to organize and coach youth volleyball camps. He was one of the original founders of the Team BC Midget program (the first in Canada in that age class) and he played a key role as a founding member of the Kelowna Volleyball Club – one of the largest volleyball clubs in BC. Hugh’s contribution to growing and building amateur sport in British Columbia serves as an example for future leaders to follow.
Hugh’s focus on strategic leadership as President of Volleyball Canada for 6 years from 2007-2013 was pivotal in turning Volleyball Canada into a financially sustainable organization with strong leadership and excellent governance. This experience has earned him the respect of international organizations, such as the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) as the current Vice-President and Board of Administration Member of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). Hugh continues to be actively involved with Volleyball Canada as the International Relations Officer for the association.
Hugh’s greatness is evident in his ability to mentor others, without them asking for the support and advice. He has a special knack for making people believe that it was their idea and thus owning the decision. This transformational leadership style has empowered the people he interacts with, and has motivated them to believe in what they are doing for the greater good of the sport.
In 2016, Hugh was awarded the prestigious Daryl Thomson Award by Sport BC. This award recognizes an individual who has contributed their time in an extraordinary way to sport over a long period and/or has made a major contribution to amateur sport in British Columbia.
The impact of Hugh’s work at all levels of volleyball in Canada cannot be overstated and he continues to be a positive force in our sport today. We are deeply indebted to him for his many contributions, and we are honoured today to induct Hugh Wong as a builder in the Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding career as a builder, leader and visionary.