Scott Cruickshank

A Calgary coach who is fully immersed in the Special Olympics program — locally, provincially, nationally — is recognized, again.

Despite having never once operated a power saw or a drill, Olympic Fencer Alanna Goldie is determined to build her own custom camper van. With a competitive season that can last much of the year, having an off-season release is crucial, helping ensure she can continue competing at a high level.

Calgarian Mike Frostad moved up to the big leagues in 2010 and after several years with the Toronto Blue Jays, was hired by the Atlanta Braves. The same Braves who won the World Series this fall.

In the fall of 2016, Ryan Smeeton started his post secondary career at Oklahoma State University. He put in the work, which led to a 3rd place finish in 2021.

Leading up to the Tokyo Olympics, the pandemic restrictions took Yuri Kisil out of the pool for four straight months, the longest he’s gone without swimming in his career.

Gerry Miller has run more than 50 marathons, won his age division numerous times, and didn’t even start competing in the marathon until he was 58.

After watching the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Alysia Rissling was captivated by the look on the faces of the athletes, and wanted to feel that sense of accomplishment.

Sam Effah missed qualifying for the Olympics for the 3rd time this year due to being in mandatory isolation for 14 days. Effah spoke about his appreciation rather than making excuses.

The old coach is perched on the edge of a patio chair in the meticulously maintained backyard of the Marlborough home that he and his wife Rita have owned for 52 years. Leaning forward, Don Phelps tells his visitor that retirement is leaving him a tad stale. Sure, there’s the garden, which features a koi pond, to oversee. The two-car garage he built is pin… Read More »Phelps Insists He Has Even More To Offer Local Scene

In the West Coast conference title game against BYU, Yvonne Ejim came up big, scoring a game-high 13 points to help Gonzaga to a frantic 43-42 comeback win.

A bright lad, he starts school a year early. Then, continuing to show academic promise, he skips a grade in elementary school. Everything about the situation, according to Lawrence King, works well. “Till I got to junior high.” There, at least two years younger than everybody else, he becomes a target. Smart but immature, he is relentlessly picked on. Chased home after school. Beat up.… Read More »Coach Reflects on a Lifetime of Giving Back

Till the age of 18, figure skating served as her go-to sport. She enjoyed it, despite realizing she would never rise above the club level. No matter. Because all the while, Grace Dafoe had a hunch that something else would one day enter her athletic orbit. Meaning she was always on the look-out. And other activities did pique her interest. At a Canada’s Sports Hall… Read More »Determined Slider Works Herself into Position for Beijing Bid

Lynda Kiejko represented Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the Women’s 10-metre Air Pistol and the Women’s 25-metre Pistol.

Earlier this year, Kevin Hodgson won the prestigious Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, given annually by the NHL to an individual who – through the sport of hockey – has positively impacted his or her community, culture or society.

Forty days before the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremonies, Canadian Rower Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski fractured her collarbone during a freak bike accident. Not only did Kasia recover in time to compete with the Women’s eight boat, she also won gold.

Jennifer Oakes will be competing with the Canadian Paralympic Team in Sitting Volleyball at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, with the competition scheduled for Aug 27 – Sept 5.