Call For Memorabilia To Help Showcase Terry Fox's Early Story In Port Coquitlam

News

Port Coquitlam, BC - SEPTEMBER 11, 2024... The City of Port Coquitlam is inviting the public to contribute photos, videos, and objects that highlight Terry Fox's time growing up in the City during the late 1960s and 1970s by September 27.

As part of a new permanent, interactive display set to open in Spring 2025, Terry Fox: Inspiring Local Champions, the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) will showcase the stories of the City's champions in sport, with Terry Fox as a central focus. The display will not only celebrate Terry Fox's legacy but also highlight the values of community, resilience, and athletic achievement-principles that the City of Port Coquitlam remains committed to upholding today.

"Terry Fox's story began right here in Port Coquitlam. I believe that the personal memories, photos, and items contributed by those who knew him will provide a heartfelt and authentic tribute to his legacy," said Mayor Brad West. "Our goal is to create a meaningful display that reflects Terry's roots in our city. I encourage everyone to take part in this important journey by sharing their cherished memories, helping us showcase the spirit of determination and hope that Terry embodied."

The City is collaborating with the Fox Family and PoCo Heritage to collect additional memorabilia from the community, including loaned items, to enrich a series of rotating displays. Those interested can submit item details online at portcoquitlam.ca/inspiring by September 27.

"We have enjoyed and appreciated engaging with the City of Port Coquitlam on the Terry Fox: Inspiring Local Champions exhibit" said Darrell Fox on behalf of the Terry Fox family. "We truly hope this will inspire the youth of Port Coquitlam to never ever give up and go after their dreams with courage and determination."

This changing display will highlight Terry Fox's early love of sports, his connection to local places like Aggie Park, and the impact of his passion and determination on those around him. Contributions may include images or objects from Terry's school days, sports events, or other aspects of his life in Port Coquitlam during that era. Items of interest for the display include:

  • Photos or video footage of Terry Fox, particularly in the context of local sports events, school life, or with friends and mentors such as Doug Alward, Bob McGill, Bruce Moore and Terri Fleming
  • Memorabilia related to local schools, sports uniforms, and games from the period
  • Items from significant locations in the late 1960s or 1970s, such as:
    • Aggie Park
    • McLean Park
    • Mary Hill Junior High
    • Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary
    • Emo's Farm on Prairie Avenue
    • Westwood Race Track
    • Coquitlam River
    • Glen Elementary (Coquitlam)
    • Glen Park (Coquitlam)

"We are honoured to showcase the early chapters of Terry Fox's remarkable story," said Cllr. McCurrach, council designate for arts, culture and heritage and environment. "Every photo, object, and memory will help paint a more personal picture of his roots here, in Port Coquitlam."

Community members are invited to contribute or loan items that reflect Terry Fox's early life and influence. To ensure these items are considered for the upcoming or future display, please submit them online by September 27, 2024, at portcoquitlam.ca/inspiring. Detailed information and submission forms are available on the website. For those preferring in-person submissions, appointments can be made by contacting PoCo Heritage via email at [email protected] or phone at 604-927-8403.

The City encourages community members with items or memories of Terry Fox's early life to come forward and contribute to making this display a meaningful reflection of his enduring legacy. Every contribution, whether big or small, plays a part in telling his story. For more information or to submit items online, visit portcoquitlam.ca/inspiring.

The Terry Fox: Inspiring Local Champions project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada.

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Media Contact

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]