“Across the province, dedicated Albertans are keeping the stories of the people, places and events in our history alive. We are glad to have the opportunity to honor the Albertans who work passionately, often as volunteers, on conservation and awareness of Alberta’s heritage. Their commitment will help ensure that our stories continue to be told and remembered for many years to come.”

Alberta’s government salutes the winners and nominees of these Heritage Awards, and thanks them for their continued dedication to preserving, protecting and promoting Alberta’s unique heritage and culture.

The 2024 recipients are:

Heritage Awareness

• Beaver Hills Biosphere Region Association for the Beaver Hills Biosphere Video Project
• Clearwater County for the Nordegg Discovery Center Renewal Project
• YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Center for The Rogues’ Gallery
• Kyle Schole for the North Saskatchewan River (kisiskâciwani-sîpiy) Canadian Heritage River Designation Project
• Chief Sydney Lee Halcrow & Chief Roderick Willier for Oti Nekan – Treaty No. 8 125th Anniversary Celebration
• Sheri Peyerl for the book Alberta’s Cornerstone: Archaeological Adventures in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Heritage Conservation

• Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society for the Buttermaker’s House Restoration Project
• Sexsmith & District Museum Society for the Alberta Wheat Pool Grain Elevator Preservation Project
• Lacombe Heritage Resources Committee for the Lacombe Heritage Survey and Designation Program
• Dr. Peter Dawson for the Digitally Preserving Alberta’s Diverse Cultural Heritage Project

Outstanding Achievement

• Crowsnest Historical Society, Coleman
• Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Red Deer
• Dr. France Levasseur-Ouimet, Edmonton
• Karen Copley, Airdrie
• Donna Nelson, Innisfail

The Heritage Awards program reflects Alberta’s commitment to heritage preservation throughout Alberta. A total of 97 awards have been presented to recipients from across the province since the program rebooted in 2005.

Celebrate with Marco Arop, Nicholas Bennett, Diane Jones Konihowski, Lyndon Rush, Rebecca Smith, Reid Maxwell, and Molly Simpson

September 30, 2024 | Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, Red Deer, AB

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame is excited to announce an exclusive Olympian Meet & Greet event on September 30, 2024, featuring a lineup of seven of Canada’s most celebrated athletes: Marco Arop, Nicholas Bennett, Diane Jones Konihowski, Lyndon Rush, Rebecca Smith, Reid Maxwell, and Molly Simpson. This unique event will give fans an extraordinary opportunity to meet these Canadian Olympians, learn about their journeys, and get inspired by their remarkable stories.

Each of these athletes has made significant contributions to their respective sports, representing Canada on the global stage with distinction:

• Marco Arop – A middle-distance running powerhouse, Marco Arop is a decorated 800m runner and World Championship medalist. His resilience, speed, and passion have inspired a new generation of track athletes.
• Nicholas Bennett – A Paralympic swimming sensation, Nicholas Bennett has set records in the pool and inspired countless fans with his dedication, determination, and stellar achievements on the international stage.
• Diane Jones Konihowski – An icon in Canadian athletics, Diane Jones Konihowski is a former Olympic heptathlete and gold medalist at both the Pan American and Commonwealth Games. Her storied career has earned her a lasting legacy in the world of sports.
• Lyndon Rush – An Olympic medalist in bobsleigh, Lyndon Rush is known for his skill and leadership on the ice track. His achievements in the sport have solidified him as one of Canada’s most notable bobsleigh athletes.
• Rebecca Smith – A talented swimmer who represented Canada at the Olympic Games, Rebecca Smith has earned accolades in international competitions, showcasing her strength and perseverance in the pool.
• Reid Maxwell – An accomplished swimmer, Reid Maxwell proudly wore the Canadian colours this year at hist first Paralympic Games in Paris.
• Molly Simpson – A rising star in BMX racing, Molly Simpson has demonstrated her skill and fearlessness on the international circuit. She continues to break barriers in the sport and inspire young athletes across the nation.

Event Highlights: Fans will have the chance to interact with these incredible athletes through autographs, photos, and personal conversations. Attendees will also hear firsthand accounts of their experiences at the highest levels of competition, from the challenges they faced to the triumphs that defined their careers. This event is a rare opportunity to connect with athletes from a wide range of sports, all of whom have represented Canada on the world stage.

Event Details:
Date: September 30, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
4200 Queen Elizabeth II Highway, Red Deer, AB

Tickets: There is no charge for the Meet & Greet and entry to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame is included. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the museum’s engaging exhibits, which showcase the incredible history of sports in Alberta and the achievements of its most prominent athletes.

About the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame:
The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to preserving Alberta’s rich sporting history. With interactive exhibits and a wide collection of artifacts, the Hall of Fame honors the athletes, coaches, and teams that have contributed to the province’s vibrant sports culture. Through events like the Olympian Meet & Greet, the Hall of Fame continues to engage the public and celebrate the athletes who have brought pride to Alberta and Canada.