SECLA
south east community leagues association
Building fun
SECLA PROJECTS and COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
George S. Hughes Arena Honours Community Contributions
October 24, 2008
George S. Hughes’ lifetime of community and sport contributions to Edmonton were celebrated today at a special dedication ceremony that renamed South Side Arena in his honour.
Deputy Mayor Bryan Anderson said, “George has a lifetime of service to Edmonton that is driven by great passion, vision, dedication and action. He is one of the great builders of sport and recreation in our city. He has made a lasting impact on the community and on the hearts around him, and it is only fitting that this arena be named after him as a lasting legacy.”
George S. Hughes’ love for hockey took him from humble beginnings as a player, to coach, manager and mentor with community league hockey, the South Side Athletic Club, the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association, Hockey Alberta and the Golden Bears. George was also one of the founders of the Edmonton Minor Hockey Week and of Sport Central. Hockey Alberta named him one of Alberta’s 100 Most Important Hockey Personages Over the Last 100 Years.
George S. Hughes said, “In the early 1960s there were only a handful of arenas in the city, and it was exciting for any youngster to play at the South Side Arena. There was a need for additional arenas in the city, and I am thrilled to have played a part in the many arenas that were built in the 1970s, as well as building minor hockey in Edmonton.”
In his role as City of Edmonton Chief Commissioner, George S. Hughes was responsible for increasing the number of indoor arenas from four to 12, at a time when most hockey was played on outdoor rinks. George was involved in the development of Northlands Coliseum, the Agricom, and Commonwealth Stadium. He also contributed significantly to the 1978 Commonwealth Games, the 1983 Universiade, and the Edmonton 2001 World Championship in Athletics, and while with the Alberta Lotteries, he was able to assist in the funding of many Alberta sport facilities.
George S. Hughes has received over 40 awards and recognitions over the years including: the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame; the Hockey Alberta Hall of Fame, the University Sports Hall of Fame, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for Distinguished Contribution to Canada.
The South East Community Leagues Association (SECLA) sponsored the renaming of the arena to recognize George’s exemplary community efforts. The George S. Hughes South Side Arena is located at 10525 - 72 Avenue. The arena originally opened October 14, 1961.