CCAA Hall of Fame Inductee: Dr Peter Fraser
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Dr. Peter Fraser's contributions to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) were pivotal in shaping the organization's national presence and securing essential funding for its operations. Dr. Fraser was inducted into the CCAA Hall of Fame in the Builder Category during the Association's 50th Anniversary Gala in Ottawa, ON on June 11, 2024. His journey with the CCAA began in 1979, following a crucial announcement at the 1978 AGM by Sport Canada representative Paul Dupree. Dupree confirmed that Sport Canada would accept the CCAA's proposal to appoint an executive director, with the role commencing on April 1, 1979.
Dr. Fraser's first significant challenge as executive director was to travel to Nova Scotia to collaborate with Treasurer Ken Marchant on the Sport Canada funding submission. This marked a significant milestone in CCAA history, as its affairs received input from both an elected representative and a staff member. At the 1981 AGM, Dr. Fraser reported on the costs associated with producing the five championships held at that time and highlighted that over 92% of the funding came from Sport Canada. He recommended the development of a marketing program and the hiring of an individual or company to lead this effort. The executive indicated that this would be Dr. Fraser's main task for the upcoming year. Dr. Fraser shared that his most significant accomplishments were establishing a relationship with Sport Canada, lobbying to recognize the CCAA's potential in developing elite-caliber athletes, and securing funding for national championships in multiple sports. Dr. Fraser fondly recalls being part of the CCAA's foundational phase, witnessing the formulation of a national organization. This experience, he notes, was more of a reward than an accomplishment. He cherished the opportunity to observe the passion of CCAA athletic directors and executives, particularly during the preparation for Annual General and Board meetings, which were often a lively mix of personalities addressing crucial issues. "Working with professionals in an amateur sport governing body was a pleasure. The lessons of dedication, passion, and commitment I learned there have been invaluable throughout my career", said Dr. Peter Fraser. His fondest memories involve navigating the diverse personalities of executive members and individual athletic directors and the hosts and events of AGMs and national championships, which always provide lasting memories. Dr. Peter Fraser's dedication and efforts were instrumental in establishing the CCAA's national presence and securing its financial stability, making him a deserving inductee into the CCAA Hall of Fame.
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During the executive meetings at the 1979 national championships, Dupree confirmed funding availability and the establishment of a CCAA office in the National Sport and Recreation Centre in Ottawa. By the 1979 AGM, President Al Hoffman reported that 50 applications had been received for the executive director position, and seven candidates were chosen for interviews. Dr. Fraser was selected and his appointment was announced on October 1 with him assuming the role by mid-October.
