Podcast

Episode 21: Sport for Everyone

25 October 2023

In this episode of Let’s Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid sits down with Catriona Le May Doan, President and CEO of Sport Calgary,to talk about creating a Calgary where sport is accessible to all, breaking down barriers to provideequitable community sports programs and representation in sports. 

Published 25 October 2023

Updated 17 January 2024

In this episode of Let’s Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid connects with Catriona Le May Doan, President and CEO of Sport Calgary, to talk about creating a Calgary where sport is accessible to all, breaking down barriers to provide equitable community sports programs and representation in sports. 

In this episode 

  • Learn more about how Sport Calgary is working for a Calgary that thrives through access to sports. 
  • How sport can look different for each person and community, but there is a sport “fit” for everyone. 
  • How Sport Calgary aims to engage all sectors - nonprofit, government and business - in bringing sports to every community in Calgary.  

Three key takeaways 

  • Sport can play a role in every person's life as being active, in any capacity, helps people thrive physically, mentally, and socially. Sport Calgary is breaking down barriers to be able to bring sport to every single person in our city.  
  • How do we see more representation in sport? How can barriers be broken down to allow more equitable access to sports?
  • Connection with the business community is key in bringing sport to every community. Sport Calgary is encouraging businesses to take an active part in supporting community sport programs to alleviate the burden of social agencies.  

About Catriona Le May Doan 

Catriona Le May Doan is an Olympic medal winning speed skater and broke 13 world records during her career. In addition to her career on the ice, she is Vice Chair of Canada Games Council, and a Board member of Winsport. She also fulfilled terms as a Board member of Special Olympics Canada and the Canadian Sport Institute Calgary and was a member of the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee. 

Catriona has covered five Olympic Games and co-hosted the primetime show Countdown to Beijing. She joined the CTV Olympic broadcast team for the Vancouver 2010 Games, which earned her a Gemini for Best Sports Analyst. Catriona co-hosted Olympic Morning for the London 2012 Games. 

She was Lead Athlete mentor for the Canadian Olympic Team for 2018 and Chef de Mission for the 2022 Team for the Beijing Olympic Winter Games. Catriona has received three Honorary Degrees from the University of Calgary, the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina and gave the convocation speech to their graduating classes.

Catriona was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Sports Hall of Fame and appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. She is the President and CEO of Sport Calgary.  

 

About Sport Calgary 

Sport Calgary assists, supports, and influences the growth of sport in Calgary. Founded in 2001 as the Calgary Sport Council Society, it was the first step toward bringing sport organizations together in an effort to discuss issues and opportunities to enhance the delivery and development of amateur sport in Calgary. In 2015, Sport Calgary rebranded its look to align with the brand umbrella of Calgary Economic Development, Tourism Calgary and the Telus Convention Centre to be “part of the energy” that understands, loves, and aims to constantly improve the great city of Calgary. 

 

Subscribe to Let's Talk Poverty at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Share your thoughts. Have an idea for us to explore or a question for us? Send us a message!