Dave Makela

Inducted: 2025

Dave Makela:

A graduate of Sports Administration (SPAD) at Laurentian University and Sudbury Secondary School, Dave made the role of athletic administrator at the Sudbury Board of Education and Rainbow District School Board his own. During his tenure, which started in 1994, Sudbury hosted 36 provincial high school championships. He’s also the long-time high school sports columnist for The Sudbury Star.

Notable Highlights:

  • 1986-1994 – Executive Director, Sudbury Minor Hockey Association
  • 1986-Present – Executive Committee, Big Nickel Major AAA Hockey Tournament
  • 2015-Present – Member, Ontario Federation of Athletic Coordinators
  • 2008-2010 – Ontario Summer Games, Sport Technical Committee
  • 2005-2008 – Member, LU Track Task Force
  • 2004-2014 – Member, Elmview Playground Association

Miscellaneous:

Dave’s love of sport began with the street games he grew up playing in his Donovan neighbourhood and at Victory Playground where he learned how to skate.  Supporting the people running sports programs and seeing the growing numbers of participants in local high school sports has perhaps been the most satisfying part of the job for him. Dave and his wife, Cathy, have a son, Sam.