A sold-out crowd enjoyed a stirring Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday as Vince Mulligan, Mike MacDonald, Orin Carver, Walter "Windy" LePage and George "Dandy" Wood became honoured members of the PEI sports shrine.

It was an emotional evening as the audience saluted the achievements of all five individuals.

Genealogist and distant relation Doug MacDonald recalled the efforts of Wood, who is now confirmed as being the first Island born baseball player to play in the major leagues, enjoying an outstanding career at the back-end of the 19th century.

Connie Clark, daughter of Walter LePage, recounted her father's athletic achievements just after World War II, where he excelled on the track, rugby field, and basketball court. He once set a Maritime record of 10 seconds flat in the 100-yard dash. Le Page, in his acceptance speech, had the audience in fits of laughter as he recalled tales of his competitive athletic career.

Jennifer Carver Wells inducted her father, the late Orin Carver, an outstanding hockey player in the 1950s, who later became an outstanding businessman, entrepreneur, and social citizen, chairing the Host Society for the 1991 Canada Games, and later being inducted into the Order of Canada.

Harness Racing legend Mike MacDonald - Mr Gold Cup and Saucer, following his five wins in the Island's big race, was inducted by his daughter Laura, who gave an outstanding eulogy of her father. She had the capacity crowd spellbound as she recalled the excitement and emotion of her father's career, not just as a driver but as trainer and builder of the sport.

The final inductee was local celebrity Vince Mulligan. His citation was read by daughter Mary Beth, who had the crowd laughing as she recalled how Vince would often get her to speak to the press, or impress upon the parents of potential recruits during his days as a coach and builder of programs at UPEI. Vince - normally not one for the spotlight, told story after story and he delighted the audience with some of his recollections of individuals, many of whom were present on the night.

The Guardian's report on the evening can be found  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=289680&sc=99#commentsview