About
Selections fromThe 52 shines a spotlight on women in sports and three women changemakers, rebels and revolutionaries from Toronto’s past and present. Presented at Harbourfront Centre are Angela James, Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld and Phyllis Bomberry, women who have disrupted narratives and expanded on the idea of who could participate, lead and succeed in Canadian athletics.
Their extraordinary impact helped to position sport as a powerful symbol of cultural change, where perseverance, excellence and advocacy reshaped opportunities, influencing how sport is played, remembered and valued today.
Presented by the Museum of Toronto, this multi-year project honours legacies, amplifies voices, and challenges narratives. Together, these stories reveal how women have shaped every facet of city life, from culture and politics to sport and community, reflecting Toronto’s evolving identity. In 2025, the Museum of Toronto launched both The 52 exhibition and the live theatrical experience, presented in association with Luminato Festival. Back by popular demand, The 52 Live will return as part of the 2026 Festival.
About Angela James
Angela James, known as the “Wayne Gretzky of women’s hockey,” dominated the ice during the 1980s and 1990s. Leading the Canadian women’s hockey team to four World Championships (1990, 1992, 1994, and 1997), she earned a spot in the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame, one of the first three women inducted. In 2010, James achieved groundbreaking recognition as one of the first two women, the first openly gay player, and the second Black athlete inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Her enduring impact on Toronto is evident in the rise of women’s hockey’s popularity and recognition, inspiring young women to pursue their sporting dreams.
About Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld
A remarkable figure in Canadian sports, Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld achieved acclaim as both a track and field athlete and a sportswriter. Her shining moment came at the 1928 Olympic Summer Games in Amsterdam, where she secured two Olympic medals – becoming one of the first Canadian women to compete at the Games. Unfortunately, arthritis cut short her athletic career, but she channeled her passion into writing. For 20 years, her column “Sports Reel” graced the pages of The Globe and Mail, where she promoted and defended women’s sports in an otherwise discriminatory landscape. Rosenfeld served as a role model for women in sports, particularly those from the working class.
About Phyllis Bomberry
Phyllis Bomberry’s athletic journey began at a young age, excelling in softball house leagues both on and off the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve. Dubbed “Yogi” for her exceptional catching skills, she became a star player on the Ohsweken Mohawks team (1951-1963). Recognized for her talent, Yogi joined The Toronto Carpetland team in the Ontario Senior Women’s League. The team achieved back-to-back victories in the Senior Canadian Women’s Softball Championship in 1967 and 1968, with Yogi earning top batter and all-star catcher distinctions. In 1969, the team won gold at the inaugural Canada Games – where Yogi was hailed as the Most Valuable Player and all-star catcher once again. As the first woman to receive the Tom Longboat award, Yogi broke barriers for Indigenous women in sports, inspiring generations of athletes.
Days & Times
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225 Queens Quay W.
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