Wilfred Harding: Chatham-Kent Sports Black History Month

Wilfred Harding was one of Chatham-Kent’s most well rounded athletes. Starring for the Chatham Colored All-Stars baseball team, and for several local hockey teams, Harding faced prejudice, but was able to earn the respect and admiration of athletes, coaches and fans.

Awarded the Olympic Gold Achievement Medal in 1988, in honour of his Fifty Years of Sport Achievement, Harding won two OBA baseball titles in 1934 and 1948 with Chatham teams, and was an Ontario finalist in 1949 and 1957 with Chatham and Blenheim respectively.

Playing hockey for Chatham Vocational School, Harding won back to back WOSSAA Championships in 1935 and 1936, before climbing the ranks to play for, and win multiple titles with teams from London, Petrolia, Windsor, and the Canadian Army.

In track and field, Harding was a two time Kent champion, winning the overall championship in 1929 and 1934. Harding was also well known for his skills in sports including Darts, Basketball, and Bowling.

Unfortunately, being born in 1915, Harding faced prejudice in a time where blacks were not welcomed into all leagues. Many believe Harding had the skill to play professionally in both hockey and baseball.

Inducted into the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame in 2003, Harding is a local pioneer, and a legend in the Chatham-Kent sporting community.

For more article celebrating Black History Month in Chatham-Kent, Click Here.