Hazel McLeary (2004)

Hazel McLeary played an instrumental role in building the sport of bowling locally, nationally and internationally. Women tenpin bowlers, in Victoria and around the world have been affected through the behind the scenes work of McLeary. She has been an avid bowler since 1953 and got involved in the administration of the sport early in the 1960's, as an executive member of the Victoria Women's Bowling Association. McLeary represented her city, province and country on numerous technical committees and association executive boards over a 40-plus year career. Having accomplished much as an organizer at the local, provincial and national levels, this energetic volunteer tossed her hat into the ring at the international level in 1970 and became a director on the Women's International Bowling Congress board. She served in various capacities with the WIBC before retiring from the board in 2000. Her efforts were helpful in bridging the gap between the Canadian bowlers and the primarily American governing body. Besides promoting women's bowling, McLeary was an influential mentor to youth bowlers since the 1960's. In 2004 she served as tournament director for the Americas Zone Youth Championship and the World Championships. She traveled the world in service of her sport and has been honoured with many distinguished service awards and permanent memberships in numerous associations.