Cochranite Ozzie Sawicki is being inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame to recognize his steadfast commitment to inclusivity and the belief that sport should be accessible to individuals of all abilities.
He one of 12 members of the Class of 2024, which also includes legendary Cochrane jockey Chris McGregor.
"It's nice to be recognized for sort of a lifetime of being involved in paralympic sport," says Sawicki. "To me, the most important thing about it is there are some other inductees going in at the same time that are colleagues, mentors and friends."
Also being recognized as a paralympic builder is Patrick Jarvis and Clayton “Darrell” MacLachlan is being posthumously inducted as an Alpine Skiing builder.
"Patrick and I have known each other for decades through paralympic sports, so it's nice to be inducted together. Darrell McLaughlin, who was an international ski federation technical delegate like I am, passed away a number of years ago, so it's great to see him being posthumously inducted."
There are several high points to Sawicki's 30-plus year career in coaching and his tireless advocacy for inclusiveness in sport and everyday life that continues to this day.
From 2000 to 2004, he served as the head coach for the Canadian Para-Alpine Race team, achieving remarkable success at the Salt Lake City Paralympic Games in 2002. As the head coach of the Canadian para-alpine ski team, he played an important role in securing 12 out of the total 15 medals earned by Team Canada at those Games.
Ozzie represented Canada as Chef de Mission for the Canadian Paralympic Team at the 2014 Sochi Winter Paralympic Games. His leadership extended to the position of Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, where Canada surpassed performance goals, securing seven gold, two silver, and seven bronze medals.
Other notable contributions on the international stage include his role as head coach with the Canadian Para-Athletics Team (2009 to 2011) and as performance advisor to the Paralympic and Olympic Equestrian Teams (2009 to 2016).
His efforts extend far beyond the international scene. It's an extensive list that includes serving as program director of CADS Alberta. Additionally, he is heavily involved in developing a multitude of opportunities for para-athletes and is a committee member of the Cochrane age-friendly initiative that in essence is taking a cradle to grave approach to addressing mobility issues in the community.
Last year, he received the Don Watts Coach Developer of the Year award, one of eight Alberta Sport Recognition Awards.
In June 2023, Sawicki and his company Coachability were recognized with a 2023 Business Award of Distinction for diversity and inclusion by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
Last June, he was recognized by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce for his work in diversity and inclusion through his company Coachability. (Photo/Kelly Carson)Chris McGregor is a legendary figure in the world of horse racing.
From 1979 to 2006, he participated in nearly 14,000 races and won 2,248 of them. A career high point came in 2000 when he won the Canadian Derby aboard Scotman, boasting an impressive 46 per cent winning rate.
His excellence was recognized with nominations for the Sovereign Award in 1990 and 1992, along with notable wins such as Jockey of the Year in Saskatchewan in 1987 and Outstanding Jockey of the Year in 1988.
He continued to be recognized for his winning ways by earning the Lou Davis Memorial Trophy for the top jockey in Alberta with 229 wins in 1990, as well as receiving the Joe Perlove Award for the most wins.
Sawicki and McGregor will be joining several other Cochrane area residents who have been inducted into the hall over the years.
Most recently, Cochrane Cobra football coaches Bruce O'Neil and Rob McNab, and Dr. David Legg were inducted as members of the Class of 2022.
- Dr. David Legg inducted into Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
- Two of the best enter Alberta Sports Hall of Fame together
An external committee of the Alberta Hall of Fame reviewed the 43 applications received during the 2023 nomination period, with 12 selected for induction.
Also entering the hall are Shelley Vettese-Baert, taekwondo athlete; Darwin Davidiuk, curling builder; Julius Fodor, handball builder; Ken Hitchcock, hockey builder; Theresa Maxwell, volleyball builder; Ron Thompson, athletics builder; Tom Three Persons, rodeo pioneer; and John Frederick Utendale, hockey pioneer.
An induction ceremony takes place on May 24.
Tue, May 7, 9:00 AM
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