Jack Gregory Award Winner Has Found Her Happy Place

She’s a multi-sport athlete, but Madison Cyr is happiest when she’s on the slopes.

The 19-year-old has been involved with Special Olympics Calgary for seven years and has proven to be a strong skier, modest athlete and supportive teammate in that time.

Her primary sport is alpine skiing, and she’s recently started competing in athletics and softball.

“I like the scenery of the mountains and skiing down the mountains. The skis are like my happy place,” said Cyr at a Calgary Booster Club press conference that announced the organization’s major awards.

Cyr was pleasantly surprised to receive the Jack Gregory Award, given annually to the Special Olympics Calgary Athlete of the Year. While she’s picked up several medals during competition, this was her first time being honoured in this way.

“I was shocked at first and then I realized I was actually getting the award,” she said. “It’s my first award ever.”

At the 2023 Provincial Games, Cyr captured two gold medals in skiing despite suffering a fractured knee cap after she was knocked over by the chair lift. Her strong showing allowed Madison to be selected to Team Alberta for the 2024 National Winter Games, where she added another two medals (one gold in slalom and one silver in giant slalom) to her trophy case.

She attained her goal of making Canada’s national team that competed at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which took place in Turin, Italy in March. She posted a fourth overall finish at those games.

“It was so cool because of the different sceneries and the different place and all the different food. The pasta and the gelato was so good,” said Cyr of her trip to Italy.

Through it all, Cyr has been dedicated to her training, she’s overcome adversity, she has gained confidence and she’s always got a smile on her face.

Award winners, including Honoured Athletic Leaders and endowment recipients, will be officially recognized on Sunday, April 27th at the Calgary Booster Club’s 71st annual gala. Tickets for the reception at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino are available at calgaryboosterclub.com.