Sylvia Martin was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and after living in many cities in Canada, settled in Toronto in 1952.

A member of the Greater Toronto Women’s Bowling Association for thirty-three years, in 1964 Sylvia joined the Board of Directors, becoming Vice-president for nine years. In 1976 she was elected President and served for ten years. As President, she was an ex-officio member of all committees of the GTWBA. She is the current Co-chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee.

Sylvia Co-Chaired with the Men’s Association President the Big Brothers ‘Bowl for Millions’ annual fund-raising event for ten years and in 1979 was made an Honorary Big Brother, the second woman to receive this award in Metro Toronto. In 1980 she was the recipient of their Appreciation Award.

As President, Sylvia was a member of the committee for the National Autonomy Study, The CTF Inauguration Committee, and the Canada-U.S. Friendship Matches. She also attended as a Delegate, the 8th Annual FIQ Zone Championships in Winnipeg and served as Co-Chairman of the First International Masters Games. In 1977 Sylvia served on the CTF National Finals Committee and in 1992 was the Master of Ceremonies for the National Team Trials.

From 1967 to 1969, Sylvia was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Greater Toronto Junior Bowling Association. She resumed this position in 1988. As well, Sylvia served for some twenty years as Director of the Junior Board, and was instrumental in establishing the Junior Association Scholarship fund.

Sylvia has conducted scorekeeping schools for junior bowlers and is a Certified Y.A.B.A. Coach/Instructor. She also holds a certificate for the Local Association Officers Training Course and in July of 1995, she was a Delegate to the Y.A.B.A. International Workshop where she successfully completed the Marketing and Management Course.

Sylvia has been a Delegate to numerous WIBC Conventions, CTF and Ontario Provincial Women’s Annual Meetings. She has competed in WIBC International, Ontario Provincial and Local Association Tournaments. At the league level, Sylvia has been a Vice-President and Treasurer and is currently President of a Ladies’ League. A member of the National 600 Club, Sylvia is still an avid bowler who has maintained a 165 average or better for many years.

In 1986 the GTWBA honoured Sylvia by electing her as a Life Member. She remains a valued member of the GTWBA Board of Directors.