With the Olympic Games in Paris under way, Mid Canterbury’s own sporting stars of the past have been given pride of place at EA Networks Centre.

Larger-than-life images of 10 local sporting legends, including seven Olympians, have been fixed to the western side of the indoor stadium, and there’s room for more.

Sport and Recreation manager Richard Wood said Council had been working with Sport Canterbury on the special project to publicly display the sporting legends.

“One or two legends are inducted each year, as part of Sport Canterbury - Mid Canterbury's annual sports awards, and their images are on pull-up banners displayed only at the awards. We wanted to have these sporting champions on permanent display to celebrate the district’s sporting greatness.”

The 10 include Olympians Hayden Roulston (cycling), Lauren Ellis (cycling), Duncan Grant (rowing), Kieren O’Grady (hockey), Paul Ackerley (hockey), Stacey Carr (hockey) and Ann Shurrock (archery), Commonwealth Games participant Trevor Cochrane (athletics) and Silver Fern Angela Mitchell (netball), and All Black Jock Ross (rugby).

Sport Canterbury legends criteria includes they have given significant service to their sport, represented at an international level and have been retired for at least five years.

Sport Canterbury Community Advisor Alice Breading said Sport Canterbury had immense pride in the inducted Mid Canterbury sporting legends.

"It is a real privilege to honour and celebrate the inducted athletes at our annual sports awards evening, and it is always a highlight.  We not only celebrate their immense success but acknowledge their commitment and dedication to their chosen sport.

"Being able to have the sports awards legends showcased permanently in a facility that so many of our community’s young tamariki and rangatahi step foot in regularly, is a fitting home. I hope that their presence within the stadium not only adds to the prestige of their induction but also stands to inspire all the young athletes in our community to dream big."

Mr Wood said the new display of legends was creating lots of conversations among those visiting the sport and recreation centre.

“It’s inspiring for people to know about the local sports men and women who have performed on the world stage. We’re proud to have them on show.”