Calgary Coach Don Buchignani Honored as Sportsperson of the Year
Multi-sports coach Don Buchignani, an 86-year-old educator and volunteer, has been celebrated as the Calgary Booster Club's Sportsperson of the Year. The prestigious award recognizes his lifelong commitment to nurturing young athletes across various disciplines in Calgary's sporting community.
A Lifetime of Coaching and Community Service
Buchignani expressed profound gratitude during the annual awards announcement at McMahon Stadium on March 25, 2026. "This is indeed a real, real honour," he said. "I was so surprised when I received the phone call. But to be even considered is totally mind-blowing."
Originally from Trail, British Columbia, Buchignani built his career as a teacher within the Calgary Catholic School District. His coaching portfolio spanned volleyball, basketball, hockey, and cheerleading, but his true passion emerged at the pool. He coached successful swimming and diving teams at St. Francis High School and served as the official starter for Calgary high school swim meets for over two decades, organizing more than 1,000 competitors annually.
His extensive community involvement includes leadership roles as president of the University of Calgary Swim Club and the Lindsay Park Sports Society, along with board positions at Swim Canada and Swim Alberta. Buchignani's dedication extended to international events, where he worked as Swim Canada Team Manager at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the 2007 World Aquatics Championships, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Other Major Award Winners Recognized
The Calgary Booster Club also honored outstanding athletes for their 2025 achievements:
- Ivanie Blondin received the Henry Viney Trophy as Female Athlete of the Year. The 35-year-old speed skater, who trains at Calgary's Olympic Oval, capped her final season before retirement with multiple podium finishes, including gold in team pursuit at the ISU Four Continents Championships and silver at the World Single Distances Championships.
- Cale Makar earned the Scott-Mamini Memorial Award as Male Athlete of the Year for the second time. The Colorado Avalanche defenceman won his second James Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman and contributed to Canada's gold medal in the 4 Nations Face-Off event.
- Casey Kruse was awarded the Jack Gregory Award as Special Olympics Athlete of the Year. The 25-year-old swimmer, who overcame a childhood fear of water, won five gold medals at provincial games and will represent Team Alberta at the 2027 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.
Honoured Athletic Leaders Celebrated
Twelve individuals were recognized as Honoured Athletic Leaders for their sustained contributions to Calgary sports, typically spanning more than 15 years of service. This year's recipients include:
- Blaine Miciak – basketball coach and scout
- Don Middleton – volleyball referee and mentor
- Jason Lindsay – track and field coach and founder
- Brent Gough – rugby player, coach, and commissioner
- Andrew Hutchinson – wrestling athlete, coach, and president
- Kelly Edwards – Special Olympics swim coach
- Matt Godfrey – rugby treasurer and president
- Karen Cheney – basketball coach and athletics director
- Mike Wilson – football coach
- Rod Durrant – volleyball coach and supporter
- Rob Amey – rugby player and coach
- Reid Brodie – volleyball coach and founder
Buchignani reflected on his coaching philosophy, emphasizing his commitment to filling gaps wherever needed. "I coached cheerleading because the girls needed a coach," he explained. "That way we had a team. That's what it was all the way through." His humble approach and decades of service have left an indelible mark on Calgary's athletic landscape, making this recognition a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.
