Field house to be named after the legendary James Daly
Bison Sports, Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management and the University of Manitoba are proud to recognize James “Mr. Track and Field” Daly by naming the field house in the Max Bell Centre in his honour.
The official name unveiling will occur tonight, Feb. 27, at 7:15 p.m., as the University of Manitoba Bisons host the 2015 Canada West Track and Field Championship this weekend. James (Jim) Daly O.M., O.C., will be present at the naming ceremony.
Daly has made immeasurable contributions to sport at this university, in this province, and for this country. He managed Canada’s Olympic team in 1964, served an 8-year term on the board of Tennis Canada, was Executive Director of the 1967 Pan American Games, was Canada’s Chef De Mission for the 1986 and 1990 Commonwealth Games, and advised the 2002 North American Indigenous Games. That is only a few of his roles, not even including his impact on track and field.
He started the U of M’s track and field club in 1949 while working at his insurance business. In 1968, he accepted the full-time position as Assistant to the Director of Physical Education and he continued in his role as coach. He coached until 1996. Daly was involved in the planning of the Frank Kennedy Centre and the indoor complex affectionately know as the “Gritty Grotto”, which has now been replaced by the world-class Active Living Centre.
What: Unveiling of new James Daly Field House
When: Feb. 27, 2015, 7:15 p.m.
Where: Field house in Max Bell Centre