olympic games

1976Which two Canadian athletes became the very first horse-and-rider combination to win two consecutive World Cup victories?

In the world of Canadian equestrian sport, Ian Millar and his remarkable horse Big Ben, based in Perth, Ontario, made history as the first horse-and-rider duo to win two consecutive World Cup final titles in 1988 and 1989. Their partnership redefined the sporting landscape, capturing the imagination of fans by demonstrating that greatness in athletics transcends species. Big Ben, a towering liver chestnut originally foaled in Belgium in 1976, overcame early doubts about his size to win over 40 Grand Prix events and amass more than $1.5 million in prize money—an unprecedented feat for a North American show jumper. Today, their legacy endures not only through record-breaking achievements, but also in the form of a bronze statue erected in 2005 in Perth’s Big Ben Park, immortalizing the team in full flight.

1861Who is recognized as the "Father of Basketball"?

Dr. James Naismith, born just outside Almonte, Ontario, is recognized as the "Father of Basketball" for inventing the iconic sport in December 1891 while studying and working at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Driven by the need for an engaging indoor game during harsh winters, Naismith created basketball using peach baskets as goals, rapidly capturing the interest of students and fans alike. Remarkably, he developed the game's thirteen original rules in about an hour, with most remaining relevant today. In 2011, a bronze statue was unveiled in his hometown to honour his legacy, and in 2021, Google celebrated his invention with an animated Doodle, highlighting the enduring global impact of his creation.