“It was quite a surprise.”
That was the reaction of Dr. Colleen Kramer when told her name will be added to the City of Champions monument in downtown Trail.
The local veterinarian has been an equestrian most of her life.
“I have been competing with horses since I was 11,” she said before the induction ceremony at the Riverbelle in downtown Trail, adding that she started competing against North America’s best 13 years ago.
“I’ve been competing nationally since 2012 and since 2018, been national champion in the U-S and Canada 10 times and reserve national champion eight times,” Dr Kramer said.
She has taken part in competitions across the continent, including events in Portland Oregon and Brandon Manitoba.
The accolade for her accomplishments in a non-traditional sport is gratifying.
“It’s really an honour to be recognized by the Home of Champions Society for maybe a sport that’s not as common in the Greater Trail area,” she added.
The society also noted Dr Kramer’s commitment and philanthropy in the area of animal welfare.
Her name goes up with former Smoke Eaters and current NHL linesmen Travis and Brandon Gawryletz, the first brothers to be inducted.
They join Smoke Eaters goaltender from the 1939 World Championship team Dulio “Duke” Scodellaro.
The other inductees are Winston Giles who won a national juvenile javelin championship, bodybuilder Graham Livingston, who won the 1988 Mr. North America title, along with business person and four-term Trail City Councillor Walter Siemens.
The Canadian National 5-pin Bowling Championship team from 1980 rounds out the class from 2025.
The Kootenay crew included Trail residents Brad Elliot, Al Venturini and Dave Orlando.
It was the first induction ceremony in six years.
The last one was held in 2019, before the pandemic.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyKootenayNowNews Alerts.
