Media Attention for Calgary Booster Club Award Winners

The Calgary Booster Club hosted its 2026 major awards announcement recently and the event generated plenty of headlines.

The award winners named on Wednesday, March 25th at McMahon Stadium include Sportsperson of the Year Don Buchignani, Special Olympics Athlete of the Year Casey Kruse and a dozen Honoured Athletic Leaders.

In addition, NHL star Cale Makar was declared the Male Athlete of the Year and Olympic gold medal speed skater Ivanie Blondin claimed Female Athlete of the Year honours for their performances in 2025.

Here’s a closer look at some of the media coverage from the event:

The award winners were also the subject of discussion on QR Calgary’s Sports Talk with Jock Wilson, and they made the rounds on social media.

All of these outstanding recipients will be officially celebrated at the Calgary Booster Club’s 72nd Annual Sports Gala on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at the Grey Eagle Resort Banquet Room, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. The gala is a special evening recognizing excellence, leadership, legacy and the people who continue to shape sport in our community. Tickets are on sale now, and we invite everyone to join us for this unforgettable celebration.

The Calgary Booster Club would like to congratulate all the award winners and offer thanks to the local media who helped shine a spotlight on these phenomenal athletest!

Related Link: Calgary Booster Club 2026 Major Award Winners Announced – Calgary Booster Club

Ian Wilson
Ian Wilson

Born and raised in Alberta, Ian completed his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Communications from the University of Regina in 1996 after attending high school in Medicine Hat. He returned to Alberta and worked as a reporter and editor at the Calgary Sun for a decade. Ian is the co-founder of and a frequent contributor to Alberta Dugout Stories, as well as the media coordinator for the Western Canadian Baseball League.