Thirteen individuals and three teams were designated as Sports Pioneers in February, 2000, in a special millennium project undertaken by the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame to recognize those from an earlier era whose achievements and contributions to sport in this province must not be forgotten.

The selections were made by the Board of Governors , in consultation with an 18-member Selection Committee, from names submitted and extensive research carried out by the Sports Hall of Fame. Only those whose careers ended before 1940 were eligible for consideration.