 | Grant Pollock I’m often asked, especially at speaking engagements, who are my sports heroes? People appear disappointed, kids for sure, when I don’t mention a professional athlete, somebody they’d recognize or perhaps admire themselves. Those who have inspired me through stories I’ve done are generally everyday athletes in our community. Most of them are unknown to most, but not to friends, family and team mates. They also turn out to be my favourite stories. So looking back, my top stories of 2012 all seem to reflect how sports plays a role in changing peoples lives. Playing a game, or being involved in a sport at any level can inspire individuals and large groups, as much or perhaps more than a professional athlete. |
Sunchild Bisons – October 10th
To sit down and listen to a 17-year-old aboriginal teenager tell me how much football turned his life around, from a drunk with no ambition, to a clean, athletic kid, who wants to be a role model for others, was a very powerful moment in my career covering sports. The Sunchild Bisons, the one and only high school football team on a reserve in Canada, was and remains, a powerful story in my life.
Hickstead Picture – May 10th
It didn’t inspire me as much as other stories I did in 2012, but it certainly was well received. Hickstead, ridden by well known Canadian Eric Lemaze, was the best show jumper in the world. Soon after winning gold at the Beijing Olympics, the award winning horse was immortalized in a painting, a painting that was reproduced in limited copies and sold. The money going to help introduce kids to equestrian show jumping and to help those in it, defray costs.
Para Alpine Skiers – March 20th
The best sports stories are both inspiring and great to look at because of incredible video. After spending three snowy days in Panorama covering the Para Alpine World Cup, I was so impressed with the athletes, both as people and skiers. One in particular, Josh Dueck, is a member of the Canadian National team and a quadriplegic.
High School Football – September 13th
I’ve always had a fondness for high school sports and for the underdog. That’s why I truly enjoyed a story I did in the fall during the football season. Calgary has many strong, powerful high school football programs, where kids often move on to play in college. But high school sports should be more than that, they should be about providing kids with simply a place to play. As I found out, football at Forest Lawn High School is just as important as it is across the city at St. Francis. Winning isn’t everything, but it should be everywhere.
 | Kevin SmithAnother year and more great moments meeting people in this city that inspire me to be a better person and not sweat the small stuff.I look at my life differently and appreciate the things I have when I see Calgarians overcome their great struggles with such grace and positive energy.Enjoy the profiles of just three of many inspiring people using sports to heal physical and mental wounds as well as show us how to have the right attitude when competing! |
Back on Course – July 26th
A decade after suffering a devastating stroke, Calgary’s Dawn Boucher is
back on the golf course playing the game she loves. Even golfing one
handed she’s more accurate than most of the golfers I know. Way to go
Dawn!!
Iron Woman – August 3rd
B.C.’s Janelle Morrison nearly died in a car crash two years ago. Now she’s back competing as a professional triathlete. Janelle was close to death and is now pushing her body to the max against the world’s best. Inspiring.
Andrew Turnbull – August 20th
One of my favourite events each year. This year I was paired with 29-year-old Special Olympian Andrew Turnbull. Our camera was only there for a couple holes and Andrew drains a putt from LONG distance that brought the house down. Talk about confidence!!
 | Brendan Parker I feel extremely fortunate to have the job I do, telling the stories of so many incredible athletes and people in our city. As far as my top stories from 2012 it’s a wide array, from using sports as a backdrop to overcome tragedy to telling the stories of what some athletes battle in order to achieve their dreams.And hey, what would a job in sports be without having a little fun along the way. |
Referee eyes up the big leagues – February 2nd
So often forgotten, yet vitally important. Officials at any level are the first to absorb blame for various reasons. While we tell the stories about the players and coaches that shape our game, rarely do you hear from the officials. I really enjoyed this story, because it offered a different perspective to the game we love. Not always positive, and often heated, we hear the conversations that take place on the ice between a ref and the players and coaches. Tyler Adair is a great official, who like every player, would like to see himself in the NHL one day.
Calgary Canucks Tribute – January 27th
Having played on hockey teams my entire life, it never ceases to amaze me how powerful a team atmosphere can be. In 2012 the Calgary Canucks celebrated the life of Evan Bayko, who tragically passed away during the off season. It was incredible to see how his former team mates were there to support Evan’s family, and together they found strength to get through an incredibly difficult time. They honoured the player and more importantly the person Evan was in January.
Brady Leman competes at Nakiska – November 28th
As passionate as I am about hockey, our country’s pride and joy, I have a tremendous amount of respect for amateur athletes, and the obstacles they face just compete in their respective sports. As a result, I take every opportunity to talk with all of Canada’s summer and winter athletes. The story of Calgary native Brady Leman stands out. Leman was a downhill skier, who switched to Ski Cross, only to break the same leg three times in a span of just over two years. Now, Leman is back on snow, and one of the top ski cross racers in the world.
Taking on the water ski jump at Predator Bay – August 12th
Without question, there are certain perks that come along with working in sports broadcasting. Sometimes we get the opportunity to literally jump into a story. This summer, going against my better judgement, I decided to fly over a massive ramp on water skis, at the Predator Bay Water Ski club. Luckily, everyone escaped free of injury.
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