The California Sports Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, and members of sports media who have made a "lasting impression to California sports". It was established in 2006 by Christian Okoye, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. The California Sports Hall of Fame made its first Induction in January 2007.

Contents 1 History 2 Selection process 3 Inductees 3.1 2007 3.2 2008 3.3 2009 3.4 2010 4 External links

History

California Sports Hall of Fame has no permanent headquarters yet. After he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Christian Okoye approached the late Bill Walsh, Tommy Lasorda and coach John Wooden to help establish a Hall of Fame in California. 19 Sports heroes were then inducted in the inaugural ceremony.

Selection process

Nominations for the Hall of Fame are open to the public. The public send in names and final selection belong the board member and then current members. The Hall of Fame, with assistance from the president and founder, notifies the winning nominees once the voting process has been tabulated. If the winning nominees accept their induction, they must then attend the dinner celebration to be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame. If a nominee rejects or is unable to attend their induction, the Hall of Fame inducts the next highest vote getter. If a nominee declines their induction for 3 consecutive years without reason, the nominee will not be eligible for the 3 years.

Inductees

2007

• Reggie Jackson
• Jackie Robinson
• Elgin Baylor
• Wilt Chamberlain
• Magic Johnson
• Jerry West
• Tom Flores
• Bill Walsh
• Tommy Lasorda
• John Wooden
• Eric Dickerson
• Marcus Allen
• Deacon Jones
• Jim Plunkett
• Chick Hearn
• Raefer Johnson
• Jackie Joyner-Kersee
• Bob Mathias

2008

• Willie Mays
• Dave Winfield
• Cheryl Miller
• Dan Fouts
• Vin Scully
• Donald Quarie
• UCLA Bruins basketball
• De La Salle High School football

2009

• Steve Garvey
• Ann Myers-Drysdale
• Rosey Grier
• Jim Murray
• Mike Powell
• Karch Kirlay

2010

• Bill Walton
• Jim Hill
• Billie Jean King
• Fred Biletnikoff
• Dwight Stones
• Jim Otto
• Merlin Olsen
• Sinjin Smith

External links

• California Sports Hall of Fame

[CALIFORNIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME] was formed by [Christian Okoye], former all-pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. With support from some of the biggest names in sports from the state of California; this influential organization was formed to honor our sports heroes, support struggling athletes, highlight California Sports history and more importantly; promote education through sports.

The primary mission of the California Sports Hall Of Fame is to capture the passion children and young adults have for sports, and direct that energy to enhance their educational and personal goals. Through the organization's efforts and resources, the California Sports Hall of Fame will support and promote education and sports among children and young men and women throughout the state of California.

CSHOF draw at-risk and underprivileged youth by hosting free athletic clinics, where well-known professional athletes donate their time to coach the kids. Once at the CSHOF's events, the kids are given unparalleled training in sports and are encouraged to further develop their education. The CSHOF's decision to use athletics as a vehicle for exposing the kids to education, gave rise to its motto, "Sports and Education." Through clinics and mentorship, the CSHOF hopes to foster a goal-setting spirit in each child.

CSHOF assist young struggling athletes and Olympic hopefuls who can not afford education or the means to support themselves while training for competitions. Many times in this great state dreams are squandered because less advantaged athletes are unable to work and train. CSHOF can help nurture and support these individuals.