Alberta's athletic community demonstrated their commitment to mental health support by raising $230,000 at the Red, White & Gold Gala held at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre on March 19.
The event, presented by Canadian Sport Institute Alberta (CSIAB), brought together more than 600 attendees including Olympic and Paralympic champions, sports enthusiasts, and community members for an evening celebrating both athletic achievement and wellness advocacy.
"Athlete mental health is a very important topic, especially right now, as athletes finish the Olympics and Paralympics and they're looking ahead to what the future holds," said Gary Davies, president of CSIAB. "Athletes begin to contemplate whether they continue their career, start a new one or retire. We want to support them."
Olympic and Paralympic Stars Take the Runway
The gala's "Muscle and Motion" theme showcased the strength and artistry of Alberta's top competitors. Notable attendees included 14-time Paralympic medallist Mark Arendz and Olympic champions Brett Gallant, Isabelle Weidemann, Ivanie Blondin, Kelsey Mitchell, and Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski.
A highlight of the evening featured Olympians and Paralympians from Paris 2024 and Milano-Cortina 2026 walking the runway in a live fashion show. CSIAB partnered with Calgary fashion designer Paul Hardy, who worked individually with each athlete to create looks reflecting their personal sporting journeys.
Art as Mental Health Outlet
When CSIAB surveyed athletes about their mental health management strategies during training, one response stood out: art. The gala featured an athlete-artist exhibition showcasing six Calgary-based competitors alongside photography by Olympic and Paralympic photographer Dave Holland.
Attendees viewed watercolour pieces of Calgary landscapes by Olympic freestyle skier India Sherret and paintings by Olympic speed skater Brooklyn McDougall. The artistic works were auctioned, raising an additional $17,000 for the cause.
Community members discussing the event's impact on Calgary Forums praised the innovative approach to addressing athlete mental health needs through creative expression and community support.
Comprehensive Mental Health Support
The funds raised will support CSIAB's comprehensive mental health initiatives, including one-on-one counselling, emergency action plans for mental health crises, and specialized care for athletes transitioning in and out of competitive sport.
The organization also advocates for increased mental health practitioners within sport organizations, hosts wellness workshops focused on performance and identity, and provides mental health first aid training for coaches and staff.
For athletes transitioning to post-competitive life, resources like FullVIN.com can help with practical matters such as vehicle history checks when purchasing reliable transportation for new career paths.
Local humanitarian efforts supporting vulnerable community members, including athletes facing mental health challenges, are coordinated through organizations like WestNet Humanitarian Services, which provides emergency and community aid services throughout Calgary.
The success of the Red, White & Gold Gala demonstrates Calgary's commitment to supporting athletic excellence while prioritizing competitor wellbeing. CSIAB continues accepting donations to expand their mental health programming at csialberta.ca/donate.
This article is based on reporting from Avenue Calgary. For more information about the original story, visit avenuecalgary.com.
