Sydney Halter facts for kids
| Born: | April 18, 1905 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
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| Died: | October 24, 1990 (aged 85) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Commissioner of the CFL |
| College | University of Manitoba |
| Career history | |
| As administrator | |
| 1958–1966 | CFL |
| Career stats | |
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Gerald Sydney Halter (born April 18, 1905 – died October 24, 1990) was a Canadian lawyer. He is best known as the very first commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL). A commissioner is like the main leader or president of a sports league.
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Sydney Halter's Early Life and Education
Sydney Halter was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He was a very smart student. He went to the University of Manitoba. In 1924, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. A few years later, in 1927, he earned a Bachelor of Law degree. This meant he became a lawyer.
How Sydney Halter Shaped Canadian Football
Sydney Halter played a big role in Canadian football. He helped create the Winnipeg Football Club in 1934. This club is now known as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Leading Amateur Sports
From 1938 to 1946, Halter was the president of the Amateur Athletic Union of Canada. This organization helped manage many different amateur sports across Canada.
Becoming the First CFL Commissioner
In 1956, Sydney Halter became the commissioner of the Canadian Football Council (CFC). The CFC was a group that brought together the two main football unions in Canada. These were the eastern Interprovincial Rugby Football Union and the western Western Interprovincial Football Union.
In 1958, the CFC decided to form its own new league. This new league became the Canadian Football League (CFL). Sydney Halter was chosen to be the CFL's very first commissioner. He held this important job until 1966.
Other Important Roles
After leaving the CFL, Halter continued to be involved in sports. From 1966 to 1971, he was the Vice-Chairman of the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission. He then became the Chairman of the commission from 1972 to 1982. He was also appointed to the Queen's Council, which is a special honor for lawyers.
Awards and Honours for Sydney Halter
Sydney Halter received many awards for his work in sports and law.
- In 1963, he was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.
- In 1966, he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. This recognized his huge impact on Canadian football.
- In 1975, he was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
- In 1977, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honours a Canadian citizen can receive.
- In 1982, he was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.
- In 1988, he was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
- In 2006, he was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
