After nine years, Calgary’s speedskating legend and sports advocate Catriona Le May Doan is leaving Sport Calgary.
The local sports advocacy organization made the announcement via press release on Friday afternoon, thanking president and CEO Le May Doan for her service.
“Since joining Sport Calgary in 2016, Catriona has elevated our city’s sport ecosystem to a national standard of excellence,” said Jeff Booke, Chair of the Board of Directors, in the media release.
“On behalf of the Board and our entire sport community, I want to thank her for advancing access, performance, and partnership in sport across Calgary.”
Le May Doan, a four-time Winter Olympian in speedskating, has two gold medals (500m) and a bronze medal (1000 metres), and brought her love of sport and recreation back to Calgary.
While under her direction, Le May Doan advanced the implementation of the Civic Sport for Life policy, breaking down barriers to sports participation in Calgary. Earlier this year, Sport Calgary reported record growth, with a 700 per cent increase in the All Sport One Community initiative.
Le May Doan also advocated for safe and inclusive sport through mandatory standards and helped to create the Declaration of Inclusion in 2019.
“I am proud of the work our team has done over the last decade to break down barriers of participation,” said Le May Doan.
“Sport Calgary has ensured all Calgarians have the opportunity to play, which has resulted in a healthier and more active community. In making significant progress towards our goals in this work, I believe our organization is now well-positioned for the next chapter.”
According to Sport Calgary, the leadership transition that’s now underway is part of a “well-planned succession process.”
They said recruitment for the next president and CEO is underway, with a hope for a seamless transition for Calgary’s sports programs.
“We look forward to building on the foundation that Catriona has established,” Booke said.
“Sport Calgary’s next phase will carry forward her emphasis on impact, innovation, and inclusion.”
