Wayne Hellquist pictured here at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, where he was responsible for Media and Communications. (Submitted photo/Wayne Hellquist)

By Martin Martinson

Mr. Volleyball

Wayne Hellquist reflects on induction to Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame

Apr 17, 2024 | 7:04 AM

There are few names across Saskatchewan as synonymous with the sport of volleyball as Wayne Hellquist.

A longtime president of the Saskatchewan Volleyball Association, who also served as Volleyball Representative to the Canadian Olympic Committee for two decades, and Chef de Mission for the National Paralympic Team at the 2000 Games, Hellquist can now add Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Famer to the list.

Hellquist, who is originally from North Battleford, was named to the Class of 2024.

Genuine and gracious in his reception of the news, Hellquist said it was a pleasant surprise when he first received the call to the Hall.

“It’s one of those things you never really expect to have happen; I don’t go into any of what I do hoping for recognition or glory, so it was a shock. I was surprised, but what a delightful surprise it was,” he said.

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“There’s so many people that are deserving of recognition, so it’s very humbling to be one of those that actually gets chosen. Everything I did, I did it because someone needed to do it. I put up my hand at the first meeting I went to, and that’s how the journey began.”

While now a well-established name in volleyball on the national scale, Hellquist’s journey to the Sask. Sports Hall came from modest beginnings in the sport, attending his first Saskatchewan Volleyball Association annual meeting as a young teacher and coach of the local high school team in Allan, SK., in the ’70s.

“I actually attended the meeting because I had a complaint about something – I don’t remember what it was – but I showed up to find out what it was all about, and I ended up walking out of that meeting as the president of the Saskatchewan Volleyball Association,” he recalled with a laugh.

As a result of his success that followed provincially, it wasn’t long until Hellquist was recruited to the next level – as a member of the board of the Canadian Volleyball Association. There, he would serve just under a decade as vice president, also being appointed as the volleyball representative on the Canadian Olympic Committee, where he would spend 20 years on the board, eight of which as president.

“None of this was in my career goals, none of this was in my plans, and again, it was just kind of the next step, the next opportunity, the next level,” he said. “I would say that’s really the hallmark of my journey; there’s stuff that needs to be done and somebody’s got to do it, why not me?”

Wayne Hellquist pictured here handing out the medals at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. (Submitted photo/Wayne Hellquist)

That open-mindedness and initiative to help out wherever needed also led Hellquist to his involvement with the Canadian Paralympic program, some of his proudest work as he reflects on the last five-odd decades spent with the sport.

Named Chef de Mission for the Canadian Paralympic team in Sydney in 2000, the experience would mark the start of his involvement with the Paralympic game, spending another two decades of service on the board of World ParaVolley, just passing the torch as vice president of the board last year.

Having played a large role in the growth of the Paralympic game on the national stage, he said as he looks back, that’s one of the things that stands out most.

“ParaVolley or disabled volleyball has been around for quite some time, but in the last 20 years [its popularity] has ramped up significantly where our presence is notable, we have a great following, and we’ve expanded the number of countries playing. It’s come a huge way,” he said.

“It’s been really rewarding to watch, not only the growth in the number of countries but the quality of play. The game has grown immensely, and the game is fascinating, it’s a crazy-busy and fast game.”

While his travels working in volleyball may have taken him quite literally around the world, Hellquist’s Saskatchewan roots have always stayed with him through the years, reflected through his mention of some of the biggest highlights.

“We’ve had a significant number of Saskatchewan kids that have gone on to represent Canada, and every time that happens, I’m proud just to watch and revel in that,” he said, looking back.

“I was also really excited we were able to bring our National Women’s Volleyball Team Centre to Regina a number of years ago. That did a huge amount to just increase the visibility of women’s volleyball and help young women understand that this is an exciting game and there’s a place for them. To me, that was magical.”

Hellquist said as he looks back at the number of people he’s met and his experiences along the way, it all may not have been possible if not for taking that first step that started with a raised hand at his first Sask Volleyball meeting all those years ago.

The 2024 Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame Induction class will feature five individuals and two teams. Joining Hellquist in the Builder Category will be Melville’s Karen Howard (figure skating). Athletes inducted include Regina’s Chelsea Stone (Mazzei) (taekwondo), Loon Lake’s Ray Mitsuing (rodeo), and Fir Mountain’s Carl Olson (rodeo).

In the Team category, the 2003-04 University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s volleyball team, and Sherry Anderson and her senior women’s curling squad round out the class. The 2024 Induction Dinner and Ceremony will be held Sept. 28 at Regina’s Conexus Arts Centre.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1