MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO ADVISORY- 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Athletes to Headline Sport Calgary’s Celebration of Sport —Annual sport gala in Calgary set for September 18 at 2:30 p.m,
September 16, 2024
CALGARY—A group of Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have broken down barriers and overcome personal challenges to achieve their sporting dreams and represent Canada at Paris 2024 will be recognized at Sport Calgary’s Celebration of Sport presented by Volker Stevin Canada, September 18, from 2:30-5 p.m. at the Deane House.
The athletes, who have benefitted from grassroots programming in the city and now call Calgary home, will share their emotional journeys on the pathway to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and the importance of providing opportunities for all at the annual celebration that honours the individuals and groups who contribute to Calgary’s reputation as a premier sport city.
Catriona Le May Doan, President and CEO of Sport Calgary, will host a fireside chat that will include: Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski (Olympic silver medallist in women’s Rowing 8s); Chad Jassman (Men’s Wheelchair Basketball); and Bill McKeever (father of legendary Paralympian, Brian McKeever). The panel will tackle issues of inclusion, accessibility, and the important role sport plays in building a healthier community.
Joined by Minister Joseph Schow – Minister of Tourism and Sport for the Alberta Government – Sport Calgary will also recognize the work of key individuals in Calgary’s sport community by presenting key awards. The Honourable Lois Mitchell will present the Sport Volunteer Dedication Award. Sport Calgary’s Ron Southern Business and Sport Award and the Perry Cavanagh Sport Leadership Award will also be given out.
Sport Calgary is committed to its mission of ensuring sport and play in the city is an inclusive, and welcoming place for all physical and cognitive abilities while also reducing financial barriers to increase participation in an effort to once again make Calgary the healthiest and most active communities in Canada.
Who:
Catriona Le May Doan – President and CEO, Sport Calgary
The Honourable Lois Mitchell
Minister Joseph Schow (Minister of Tourism and Sport, Alberta Government)
Marco Arop (Men’s Track and Field 800m Silver Medallist)
Paige Crozon (Women’s 3x3 Basketball)
Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski (Women’s 8 Rowing Silver Medallist)
Chad Jassman (Men’s Wheelchair Basketball)
Jessica Sevick (Women’s 8 Rowing Silver Medallist)
Noah Vucsics (Paralympic Athletics – Long Jump)
Bill McKeever – Father of Paralympian Brian McKeever/School Teacher
Where: Deane House
806 – 9th Avenue SE
Calgary
When: September 18
2:30-5 p.m. (formal program begins at 3:45 p.m.)
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Chris Dornan
Sport Calgary
T: 403-620-8731