INSPIRATION NATION - CANADIAN SPORTS CENTRE CALGARY

Inspiration Nation combined the love of family, sport, and country with this family gala fundraiser. The gala celebrated thirty-four Canadian Olympians as well as spotlighted the CSCC’s (Canadian Sport Centre Calgary) significant role in the athletes’ accomplishments.

Guests, adults and kids alike were invited to the event and encouraged to wear Canadian sports attire, firstly to become live decor and secondly for comfort. Once welcomed they were ushered into an interactive reception space complete with virtual sports games and activities. Upon entry to the ballroom, which was designed in patriotic white and red with sports memorabilia the children were seated with sponsors and athletes. There, guests and athletes mixed and mingled, while athletes took the time to sign autographs and share their Olympic experiences.

Fundraising initiatives included a photo booth, donor board, silent auction, and a live auction hosted by Jon Montgomery.

The evenings program included all the Olympic athletes in attendance, the highest number of Olympians on one stage at the time, and was scripted and developed to emotionally drive guests to donate to the cause.

Shane Koyczan, an award winning spoken word poet and author performed the piece that made him famous at the 2010 Olympics. All the Olympic Athletes joined him on stage for a magical, emotional and patriotic moment.