GPSHOF | Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame

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Patrick Sullivan, one of ten children, and a graduate of Peoria High School, has a long history of participation in youth organizations such as Boy's Club, Proctor Center, Taft Homes, and the Peoria Park District.

A standout amateur boxer as a teen-ager, he was a member of the Peoria Boxing team in 1969, won the Peoria Invitational, and took second at the state tournament. In 1970-71-72, he took first place in both tournaments.

Boxing kept Pat out of trouble. Therefore he moved into coaching, tutoring young people in the sport of boxing. SULLIVAN'S LAW was: "A busy kid is a kid not in trouble." In 1972-73, he organized his first boxing club at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1981, because of his concern for getting kids off the street and the demand for his boxing expertise, he founded the Peoria County Boxing Club in his garage in West Peoria.

With the help of friends, the club moved to a warehouse in Peoria Heights, using fund-raisers to pay the rent. He was instrumental in bringing the National Silver Gloves Tournament to Peoria on two occasions, and brought back Golden Gloves competition in 1986. Pat spent four nights a week at the Boxing Club directing practice, as he wanted to offer young people a place to become involved in athletics. No one was turned away who couldnít pay.

Sullivan was co-ordinator of the Amateur Boxing Association, Eastern Section, for many years, and was vice-president of the Illinois Amateur Boxing Association. No longer active in boxing, he continues to work with youth groups where his children are in school.

Patrick Thomas Sullivan is an unsung hero having made a tremendous influence on the lives of scores of young people.

Tri-County Youth Sports Grant

Tri-County Youth Sports Grant Winners

Donations

The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit corporation established in October 1979 to promote the varied sports programs in the area and honor Peoria area athletes and sports personalities. Since 1979 GPSHOF has honored many individuals and teams at annual banquets held at the Peoria Civic Center. Plaques for each inductee are on permanent display at the Peoria Civic Center.

With the exception of a part-time secretary and the member board are all unpaid volunteers. The modest costs (postage, supplies, etc.) and inductee awards are financed by individual donations and business advertisers and sponsors.

We are always in need of funds to keep our programs, activities and events moving forward. We encourage your support in helping us continue to give recognition and award to Peoria area teams and athletes. We respectfully ask for your donation and sponsor support.

We have various types of advertising and donation opportunities available.

CORPORATE LEVELS

Hall of Fame (5 yrs)
$10,000

All-American (3 yrs)
$4,500

Champion (1 yr)
$1,000

PROGRAM (Annual ) LEVELS

Full Page
$300

Half Page
$250

Quarter Page
$200

Business Card
$100

NEWSLETTER LEVELS

Triple Crown (3 yrs)
$300

Double Play (2 yrs)
$200

Honorable Mention (1 yr)
$100

PERSONAL (Annual) DONATIONS

Century
$100 and above

MVP Level
$50 - $99

All-Conference Level
$25 - $49

All-Star Level
up to - $24

To make a donation or learn more about these opportunities contact us.

Events

March 30, 2019

38th Induction Banquet

The 38th Greater Peoria Sports Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet will be held on Saturday, March 30th at the Peoria Civic Center. Social Hour begins @ 5:00 pm, followed by dinner @ 6:00 pm and the induction ceremony. Tickets are $35 before March 15 and $40 if purchased between March 20 thru March 26, 2019.

To order tickets call 309-691-3553 or email: susie1026@comcast.net.

To order using a Credit Card,

You must print off this form and send to Susie. click here.

Tickets will NOT be available at the door the night of the banquet.

Event Links

Newsletters/Banquet Programs

2019 Newsletter
2018 Newsletter
2018 Hall of Fame Program
2017 Newsletter
2017 Hall of Fame Program
2016 Hall of Fame Program
2016 Newsletter
2015 Newsletter
2015 Hall of Fame Program
2014 Hall of Fame Program Listing
2014 Newsletter
2012 Newsletter
2011 Newsletter
2010 Newsletter
2009 Newsletter

Mission Statement

The first official Board of Directors meeting was held on October 14, 1979. Officers were elected. Early decisions determined that the Hall of Famers would be from the Greater Peoria Area; the name would be The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame; its purpose would be to promote and encourage the many varied sports programs in our area, to share with the area the pride we have in the accomplishments of area athletes, and to honor those men, women and teams contributing to our enjoyment and rich sports history.

With the cooperation of the Peoria Civic Center Commission and generous community support, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame is a reality and it's future is bright..

All content on this website is the property of the GPSHOF.