Inducted October 26, 1996
A native of Carbonear, Kay Hibbs began her successful sports involvement while still in school. As a player, Kay played golf for 43 years, curled for 42 years, badminton for 38 years, bowled for 31 years, and participated in track and field for 12 years. Kay also participated in tennis during the 1920’s playing in Carbonear and St. John’s.
As a golfer, Kay captured the mixed foursome in 1936 and at age 72, captured the prestigious Hutchinson Trophy. As a curler, from 1946 – 1988, Kay was a member on approximately 10 winning teams. In 1946, she was lead at the Mayse Bonspiel and in 1982, her team, representing Bally Haly, captured the Gosine Trophy Ladies Inter-Club Eastern Zone.
In Badminton, Kay participated in numerous single, doubles and mixed tournaments. In bowling Kay’s average consistently neared the 200 mark. She was the recipient of the Silver Tray for 25 years of participation.
As a builder, Kay was House President of the Y.M.C.A from 1926 – 28 where she organized a bowling league for residents. In 1930, she organized the Lucky Strike Bowling League and in 1933, The High Flyers. Kay was President of both for a combined total of 25 years. In 1946 Kay was a chartered and founding member of the St. John’s Badminton Assoc. and served as the first club Secretary for 5 years. Also in 1946, Kay joined the St. John’s Curling Club and the Bally Haly Golf & Country Club. She served the Ladies Section (Golf) over the years as a committee member, secretary/treasurer and Ladies Captain (President).
From 1947 – 49, Kay was responsible for organizing all bonspiels and tournaments while serving as rink secretary for Ladies Section at the St. John’s Curling Club. In 1963 Kay was a founding member of the curling section for Bally Haly and served as Secretary and Coach of the Ladies Section.
From 1967 – 69 Kay was President of the Nfld. Ladies Golf Assoc. In 1971, she was President of Ladies Section of St. John’s Curling Club and a member of Host Committee as Nfld. held its first National Ladies Curling Championship.
Kay has received numerous awards for her involvement in the administration of sport. In 1976 – Honourary membership of St. John’s Curling Club, 1980 – Canadian Ladies Curling Assoc. Appreciation Award, 1981 – Honourary Membership, Bally Haly Golf/Curling Club, and in 1986, she was inducted as a Builder into the Nfld. Curling Hall of Fame.
Many sports have benefitted from her leadership and organizing abilities. She is accredited with opening the door for females to enter and participate in sports that were mainly the domain of men.
Kay Hibbs is truly worthy of her induction into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.
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