Raymond Gray "Ray" Lewis, was a Canadian track and field athlete, and the first Canadian-born black Olympic bronze medalist in 1932 in Los Angeles and also a silver medal in the 4x400 yard relay in the 1934 British Empire Games(now Commonwealth Games). He was born in 1910 in Hamilton, Ontario. Lewis was nicknamed Rapid Ray for his incredible speed on the track.

The great-grandson of slaves, Lewis was subjected to harsh racism throughout his competitive days. In his Hamilton high school, he was banned from any school teams because of his colour until Spectator columnist Bobbly Robinson heard about this and forced the track coach to let him on the track team and he won numerous national championships and set many high school records. He was remarkable in that for twenty-two years he shined shoes and worked as a porter on the Canadian Pacific Railways while pursuing his athletics career. He has often seen training alongside the railroad tracks when the trains were in the stations.

He was an Order of Canada recipient in 2001 and passed away in 2003 in Hamilton at the age of 93. Ray was a role model and mentor to many students and young athletes throughout his life and was a true superstar in the Mc Master University Cross Country and Track teams host the Ray Lewis Relays which is a high school track and field competition hosting over 500 local and regional athletes.

The City of Hamilton re-named the Mohawk track the Ray Lewis Track and Field Center in 2018 and the HWDSB opened the Ray Lewis Elementary School in his honour in February 2005.

The Ray Lewis Community Service Sport Award is also presented in the adult category to an outstanding Hamilton athlete who has excelled in sport and has also made a significant contribution to the Hamilton sports community at the Annual Hamilton Sports Volunteer Appreciation Awards dinner.

The recipient of the Ray Lewis Youth Community Service Sport Award is not only a high-level athlete that has competed at the Provincial and National level but a true leader and gives back to others with their involvement and commitment volunteering in the sports community. This recipient must demonstrate respect for all, rising to the challenge and striving for excellence, playing fairly and honestly and giving back to others

This award is presented in rotation to a worthy athlete from McMaster University, Mohawk College and Redeemer University.