Walter Heeney
Inducted: June 1, 2024
Walter has worked with many organizations including the Master Bowlers Association, Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association, Special Olympics, as a supplier with Professional Bowling Ltd., and proprietor of his own centre.
He joined the Master Bowlers’ Association in 1969 and joined the board in 1971. He was named President of the Master Bowlers’ Association in 1972 and served in this capacity for two years. He was again elected President of the Master Bowlers’ Association of Canada in 1979 and led the association until 2016.
He worked with Ernie Roggie and Don Hyatt to put together a series of slides that would become the foundation of the Level 1 technical program which trained thousands of coaches across Canada. He became the technical director in Ontario and served on the national technical committee.
He renegotiated a sponsorship with Coca-Cola that allowed the Master/Bantam and Master/Junior tournaments to regionalize which in turn allowed the organization to expand across the province and triple in membership. He initiated many sponsorships with major corporations but his biggest achievement came in 1981 when he brought Hiram Walker into bowling through the Master Bowlers. Hiram Walker became bowlings biggest sponsor
He is a life member of the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association both as a builder and player
Inspired by his daughter Jan, he became involved with Special Olympics and ran two summer games programs with more than 300 athletes.
He is a great supporter and historian of the game and many of you have been able to follow his Facebook entries of past bowling greats
His contributions have been extremely valuable to the sport of 5 pin bowling and his fingerprints remain on many of his ideas and theories.
The C5PBA is proud to induct into the Builders Division of the Hall of Fame, class of 2024, Walter Heeney of Ontario.