About the video: Vivicon Productions Inc. wrote: Blair County Sports Hall of Fame event honoring legendary athletes. Held in Altona PA.

The Blair County Sports Hall of Fame has lined up coaches, retired athletes and broadcasters as its guest speaker for the previous 12 ceremonies.

In April, it will mark the first time the banquet will be graced by an athlete in his prime.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward will be the main speaker for the 13th induction banquet on April 12 at the Blair County Convention Center.

“Without any question, Hines Ward will be the most popular speaker in this area for the Hall of Fame,’’ Blair Hall president Dave Andrews said. “He has such a great personality. He’s so well liked. He makes playing professional sports fun because he’s always smiling and laughing.’’

Five new people will be inducted into the Hall of Fame — former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ron Blazier, former Penn State gymnast Nadine (DeLeo) Buchanan, former Bishop Guilfoyle football coach Tom Irwin, ex-St. Francis basketball standout Nick Leasure and former West Virginia University swimmer Renee (Riccio) McCutchan.

Fox Sports Pittsburgh’s Stan Savran will again return as the emcee.

Ward was the MVP of the Steelers’ Super Bowl XL victory over the Seattle Seahawks and is the team’s all-time receptions leader. He is also closing in on the Steelers’ all-time records for touchdown receptions and receiving yardage.

What appeals him most to Steelers fans, though, is his blue-collar approach to football. He’s been labeled the best blocking receiver in the NFL since he entered the league out of Georgia in 1998.

“Hines Ward just lights up a room with his smile and personality,’’ Savran said. “You can feel his energy, his competitive heart beating, driving his teammates in the locker room and on the field. Conversely, you can see every Steeler loss on his face. It affects him deeply.’’

Ward has also become a symbol of the value of multiculturalism in his mother’s homeland of South Korea and is currently championing the cause of biracial children in Korea.

Tickets for the event are $75 or $750 for tables of 10. Corporate tables, which include a photo opportunity with Ward, also are available.

For ticket information, call Kathy Millward at 296-2302.

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