Boomer Harding, a CK All Star | Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, CKSN is collaborating with the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame to celebrate Black athletes from Chatham-Kent.

Today meet Wilfred ‘Boomer’ Harding, Chatham Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2003.

Boomer was a very accomplished athlete in baseball, hockey, and soccer. He competed at a time when blacks were not readily accepted in sports, and many believe he could have competed at the highest levels in both baseball and hockey.

He was a member of the 1934 Chatham Coloured All-Stars and was also the first black player to play in the Detroit Olympia.

In 1988 he was awarded an Olympic Gold Achievement Medal honouring his 55 years of Sports Achievements. Boomer was one of only 18 Canadians awarded this medal at the 1988 Calgary Olympics.

For a complete list of his achievements, visit the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame website by clicking here.