Catriona Le May Doan

Sport Calgary President & CEO

Catriona Le May Doan was the fastest woman on ice. After carrying the Canadian flag into the 2002 Olympic Winter Games opening ceremonies (her fourth Olympics), Catriona defended her Olympic title with a Gold medal performance in the 500 metre event, becoming the first Canadian individual, and the only female Canadian individual, to defend a gold medal at any Olympic games. More recently she was the Team Canada Chef de Mission at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, marking her 11th attendance at an Olympics. Now spearheading sport in our city, she continues to be actively involved in the development of sport, as well as participating in, as she calls it, old-lady hockey and old-lady ringette; the sports her children compete in.

Chris Cederstrand

Director at Cederstrand Foundation

Chris Cederstrand has risen above the challenges that life has thrown him and has accomplished everything and so much more of what he was once told he couldn’t and wouldn’t ever do again.  His motivating keynote speeches include his personal story of tragedy and how he has overcome adversity to persevere and accomplish new dreams and old.   

Cederstrand may be known to hockey fans as he began playing higher-level hockey in high school and was drafted into the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL. His hockey career was split between Red Deer and Swift Current.  Concussion issues ended his hockey career pushing him towards another path: firefighting.

While backing a large piece of heavy machinery uphill, the gears slipped. The packer began rolling downhill unable to stop.  Prior to being forced to jump off, Chris was able to steer the machinery away from a large, active, intersection in Calgary.  It was then when the machine flipped catching his leg as they both fell.  Chris was rushed into emergency to undergo surgery in attempt to save his leg.  Surgery did not go as planned and Chris’s leg was amputated above the knee as a life-saving measure.  Chris was in shock at the result of what had happened but grateful to be alive.  He was sent home two and a half weeks later with little hope of a meaningful career or athletic competition and no real plan for recovery.

Since retiring in 2017, Chris has become the adaptive director at the hockey school PX3 AMP where he offers free sledge programs for kids with disabilities. He also works as an athlete ambassador at Kidsport Calgary and started Cederstrand Foundation, which helps kids with disabilities buy adaptive sports equipment. Chris coached the Provincial Sledge Hockey team which garnered four consecutive national titles.   He has been named one of Shaw’s 50 Outstanding Canadians and is a Distinguished Alumni award winner at Lakeland College and Fire Training.  Chris was the recipient of the Air Canada’s Community Champion Award in 2022.  PX3 Amp Hockey program has partnered with the Flames Foundation to create Canada’s first NHL affiliated sled team.  They have also created a rollersled program that brings sport into schools and hospitals. 

Recently, Chris was a competitor on a new Canadian reality show called “Canada’s Ultimate Challenge”, where he was the first above knee amputee to compete in Canada. 

Leonka Kaluha

Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 Athlete Ambassador

Leonka embodies the spirit of perseverance and resilience as a longstanding athlete in the Special Olympics Calgary community for over two decades. With an impressive repertoire of sports including Floor Hockey, Athletics, and Bocce, her journey extends far beyond these realms, encompassing endeavors in golf, downhill skiing, bowling, recreation swimming, and soccer.

However, Leonka's story transcends mere athletic accomplishments; it's a testament to the transformative power of sports and the human spirit. Through her involvement in the Special Olympics, she has come to redefine the concept of disability, recognizing her unique abilities and embracing her identity with pride. Despite facing initial barriers and being unjustly dismissed from mainstream school sports due to misconceptions about her capabilities, Leonka's determination proved her detractors wrong.

Her voice, once suppressed by societal prejudices, has now found resonance within the Special Olympics community and beyond. Leonka courageously shares her experiences of overcoming intellectual disabilities and developmental delays, shedding light on the challenges she has faced, including the scourge of bullying. Her advocacy extends to the broader narrative of inclusion, championing the rights of individuals like herself to pursue their passions without discrimination.

Beyond the confines of organized competition, Leonka has ventured into the realm of long-distance running, defying expectations and completing 5Ks, 10Ks, and even a half marathon, proving that her tenacity knows no bounds. Each stride serves as a testament to her unwavering spirit and refusal to be defined by limitations imposed by others.

Sport has not only served as a vehicle for physical activity but has also provided Leonka with a platform to amplify her voice and inspire others. It has become a conduit through which she expresses her resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in the power of possibility. In the face of adversity, Leonka's story stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative potential of embracing one's unique abilities and rewriting the narrative of disability with courage and conviction.

Hamza Tariq

Future Stars Cricket Foundation, Founder & President

Hamza Tariq is not just a name in Canadian cricket; he's a beacon of talent, dedication, and community spirit. Tariq embarked on his cricketing journey at the age of 15 in Calgary, Canada. Since then, he has carved his path to excellence both on and off the field.

Tariq's talent behind the stumps as a wicketkeeper-batsman earned him a coveted spot in the Canada national cricket team in 2010. His journey in cricket has been marked by significant milestones, representing Canada in both the U19 and Men's World Cups. 

Beyond the boundary ropes, Tariq is a true ambassador for the sport, dedicating his time and efforts to uplift the community. He works at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), spearheading initiatives to develop sports programs tailored for refugee youth. Through his endeavors, Tariq aims to provide a platform for young talents to thrive, regardless of their backgrounds.

In a bid to nurture budding cricketing talents, Tariq founded the Future Stars Cricket Academy and Future Stars Cricket Foundation. These initiatives serve as a nurturing ground for aspiring cricketers, instilling in them not just the skills of the game, but also the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

In 2023, Tariq was honored with the CBC Calgary's Asian Changemaker award, recognizing his outstanding efforts in making a positive impact in the community. Future Stars Cricket Foundation was also acknowledged with the prestigious Perry Cavanagh Sport Leadership Award for delivering an inclusive cricket league for kids and youth by eliminating financial barriers.