Induction year: 2011
Clayton Gerein was an influential leader and mentor throughout his entire life. In 1985, Gerein began playing Wheelchair Athletics and Wheelchair Rugby. He helped lead his Wheelchair Rugby team to numerous national gold medals until 1991 when he decided to focus his training on Wheelchair Athletics. Determination and hard worked paid off for Gerein as he became a seven-time Paralympian with an outstanding record in international competition: he won three gold medals at the 1988 Paralympic Games, two gold medals at the 1992 Paralympics, a gold, silver, and bronze medal at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta, and the gold medal in the marathon at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000. Gerein received numerous honours, including the 2001 Fred Begley Award for Outstanding Off Track Athlete and the Canada 125 Medal for exceptional contributions to Canadian sport. He was named Saskatchewan Sports Athlete of the year in 1987, 1996, and 2001.
As an athlete and coach, Clayton led a healthy active lifestyle and helped promote these values by visiting Wascana Rehab Center to introduce newly-injured individuals to sports and recreation. He also coached other wheelchair athletes and was the Athletics Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association and served on the board of the National Sports Centre in Saskatchewan. Gerein passed away January 22, 2010 after a brief battle with cancer but has left a legacy that will continue to inspire all to seek balance in community involvement, sport and family.
