Pro sport and grassroots leaders share one stage at the 11th annual Celebration of
Sport, hosted by Jon Cornish at Spruce Meadows on September 17
CALGARY, AB — Sept.15, 2026 — On Thursday, September 17, 2026, Sport Calgary’s 11th
annual Celebration of Sport presented by Volker Stevin is set to bring together more than 250
people at Spruce Meadows in support of Sport Calgary community outreach programs as we
celebrate Calgary’s sport community.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
When: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Spruce Meadows, Gallery on the Green, Congress Hall
18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Check-in: Media passes available at registration
Schedule:
10:45 AM Doors Open and Networking
12:00 PM Formal Program
12:15 PM Award Presentations
12:35-1:25 PM Panel Discussion
1:30 PM Program Concludes
2:00 PM Event Concludes
Parking: On-site free parking in Lots 9, 8, and 7
On-site media contact: C.J. Wedenig, 587-226-8750
Media are encouraged to attend between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM for interview opportunities prior to
the start of the formal program. Interviews will be available with Candice Goudie, President, Sport
Calgary and select event panelists.
This year’s theme is Big Games. Bigger Impact. The event will celebrate community sport,
community sport leaders, and discuss the grassroots impact of hosting major events in Calgary. The
program is hosted by Jon Cornish, Canadian Football Hall of Famer and Chancellor Emeritus of the
University of Calgary and will feature a panel moderated by Rob Kerr.
The panel:
- Jay McNeil, President, Calgary Stampeders
- Lara Murphy, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Calgary Wild FC
- Mason Trafford, Commercial Director, Cavalry FC
- Peter Judge, CEO, Freestyle Canada
- Carlo Bruneau, Executive Director, Calgary Minor Soccer Association
- Logan Ruzycki, Head Coach, Football Alberta U14 Girls Flag Football
Sport Calgary will also present three community awards: the Perry Cavanagh Sport Leadership
Award, the Ron Southern Business and Sport Award, and the Lois Mitchell Sport Volunteer
Dedication Award.
“This event is truly about celebrating sport in Calgary,” says Sport Calgary President, Candice
Goudie. “From the impact of some of the largest sporting events coming to our city, to the people at
the grassroots level who dedicate so much time and energy to making sport happen, the impact is
felt at every level. Sport contributes to the livability and vitality of Calgary every day – strengthening
our communities and making a difference, one person at a time.”
Event proceeds will benefit Sport Calgary outreach programming. Incorporated in 2001 and marking
its 25th year, Sport Calgary connects and strengthens a network of 1,100+ members and 400+ sport
organizations. Its programs include but not limited to; All Sport One Day, a free city-wide youth sport
discovery day; All Sport One Community, which brings free sport into communities facing barriers
and has reached over 40,000 participants since inception in 2023; and All Sport One City, giving
adults the opportunity to discover sport and opportunities in their community for free.
Event details, full agenda and panel bios: https://sportcalgary.ca/events/celebration-of-sport/
ABOUT SPORT CALGARY
Sport Calgary is a nonprofit that connects and strengthens Calgary’s sport community. Since 2001, it
has worked with clubs, associations, partners, and families to make sport accessible to everyone in
the city. Ensuring Calgary thrives through sport for everyone.
MEDIA CONTACT
CJ Wedenig, Marketing and Communications, Sport Calgary
cjwedenig@sportcalgary.ca
-30-
SportCalgary.ca