Sport Calgary Names Annual Sport Volunteer Award After The Honourable Lois Mitchell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 24, 2023
Sport Calgary Names Annual Sport Volunteer Award After The Honourable Lois Mitchell
Lifelong Alberta orienteering volunteer, Clarence Kort, recognized as inaugural winner
CALGARY—Sport Calgary is paying tribute to The Honourable Lois E. Mitchell by naming its newly-created volunteer recognition award the Lois Mitchell Sport Volunteer Dedication Award.
The award, which will now be presented each fall at Sport Calgary’s annual Celebration of Sport gala, was created to acknowledge individuals who devote their time and effort toward the development of community sport with enthusiasm, kindness and respect to make the sport experience positive and impactful for all Calgarians.
“The creation of this award provides Sport Calgary the opportunity to recognize the incredible people and community leaders who advance sport in our community at all levels,” said Catriona Le May Doan, president and chief executive officer, Sport Calgary. “The Honourable Lois Mitchell is simply one of the community leaders who has maintained a firm commitment to community service and volunteerism throughout her life. We are grateful to Her Honour for her steadfast dedication to ensuring sport and play is enjoyed by all Calgarians by volunteering endlessly towards this mission. I think it is only fitting to recognize her commitment and passion for volunteering in sport by naming this important award in her honour.”
Understanding the powerful role sport plays in making communities better, Mitchell has contributed immeasurably to enhancing the quality of life throughout Alberta through her volunteer work in sport over the last three decades where she has continuously promoted sport benefits of physical health; improved decision-making; stronger mental and emotional well-being; and teamwork.
A passionate promoter of women in business and sport, Mitchell also established endowments to support female athletes in Canada. She was chair of the first-ever Word Women’s Under-18 Hockey Championships held in Calgary in 2008.
“It is a true privilege to have the Sport Volunteer Dedication Award named in my honour. This recognition is a testament to the power of volunteerism and those who contribute their time and passion to create an impact on the world of sports. This award serves as a reminder that the spirit of giving back is a cornerstone of our sporting community and can inspire positive change far beyond the field of play,” said The Honourable Lois E. Mitchell.
Alberta Orienteering volunteer, Clarence Kort, was the inaugural recipient of the award. For more than two decades, Kort has been unwavering in his commitment to growing the sport of orienteering in Aberta. Holding positions of significance within the Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club, serving as treasurer (2002-2009), president (2009-2013), and past-president (2013-2014), Kort has also taken charge of everything from coaching three times a week to equipment storage and maintenance, to ensuring smooth operations.
Kort’s engagement with the provincial association as a board member and treasurer since 2017 speaks volumes about his commitment to the sport's growth. He also played a key role in orchestrating international, national and local orienteering events across Alberta while also introducing students in schools to the sport in addition to shaping programs at a grassroots level.
Kort received his award from The Honourable Lois Mitchell at Sport Calgary’s Celebration of Sport gala.
The annual event connects Calgary’s sport community while recognizing the people and organizations that make the community a world-leading city for sport and recreation. All of the proceeds from the event go to support amateur sport in the city, and programs that encourage sport participation.
Sport Calgary is a volunteer, non-profit society, representing more than 300 sport organizations in Calgary as a Civic Partner. As an advocate of sport, we strive to assist, support and influence the growth of sport in Calgary.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chris Dornan
Media and Public Relations
Sport Calgary
T: 403-620-8731
