ESPN Founder to Speak at Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame Event

ENFIELD, CT — Forty years ago, the brainchild of former Enfield resident Bill Rasmussen changed the sports world around the globe. In 1979, ESPN launched its 24-hour sports programming in the burgeoning field of cable television, and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon.

In 1999, two decades after his network's debut, Rasmussen was inducted into the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame. Now, 20 more years later, he is returning to Enfield to give a presentation and answer questions from sports fans about his creation, in conjunction with the unveiling of the Hall of Fame's new home.

Housed in the Enfield Senior Center for the past dozen years, the Hall of Fame plaques are being moved to the Hall of Champions at the renovated Enfield High School, adjacent to the gymnasium.

On Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m., Rasmussen, 86, who now lives in suburban Seattle, Wash., will speak in the gym about the background and formation of one of the world's largest cable TV networks. A question and answer session will follow his presentation, then the Hall of Fame plaques will be officially dedicated in the Hall of Champions.

Finger foods and light refreshments will be provided by the Enfield High School food service students.

The public is welcome to attend the event, and all previous Hall of Fame inductees are encouraged to participate.