The Red Deer Games Foundation has selected six Central Alberta recipients for its 2022 Fall Athlete Development Grant.
According to a release, “the grants are awarded to individuals living in Red Deer and area who have demonstrated a high level of ability and a strong commitment to their sport.
These athletes have achieved competence at the international, national, provincial or regional level and the funds are provided to the athletes to help offset the costs of training and equipment as they continue to pursue their training and competition programs.”
The following athletes earned grants:
Garrett Flett: (Red Deer) Soccer – member of Red Deer Renegades U17 Soccer team, name to the Team Alberta for the upcoming 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Nicholas Nechifor: (Red Deer) Tennis – Currently ranked as the #2 2011-born male player in Alberta and the #14 2011-born male player in Canada. Recently won the U12 Division Jovenas Promesas David Ferrer Tournament in Valencia, Spain. Member of Team Alberta for 2022 U12 Fischer National Championships in Vancouver, BC.
James Wigelsworth: (Red Deer) Speed Skating – recently finished 1st in the 2022 Oktoberfest Long Track Classic Meet at the Calgary Olympic Oval. Currently ranked #1 - 1000m, #2 – 500m, #3 – 1500 m skater in Alberta in the 14-15 Neo Junior Male division.
Katelyn Pasutto: (Red Deer) Athletics – in 2022 finished 1st in 100m Hurdles at ASAA Provincial Championships, 1st in 100m Hurdles at Athletics Alberta Club Provincials, 2nd in 100m Hurdles at Western Canada Athletics Championships, finalist in 100m Hurdles at National Athletics Championships. Katelyn is the #1 ranked 100m Hurdler in Alberta and a member of the Alberta Athletics Provincial team.
Eileen Park: (Red Deer) Golf – 2022 U15 Alberta Junior Champion; 2022 U19 Alberta Junior Champion (winning both age groups by 12 strokes each); 23rd 2022 Canadian Junior Girls Championship; 2022 Maple Leaf Junior Tour Player of the Year; Alberta Provincial Team golfer; 2022 Golf Canada National Team Selection Camp attendee.
Gavin Piecowye: (Red Deer) Swimming - member of Red Deer Catalina Swim Club. Qualified for 2022 Provincial Championships in 6 events. Qualified for maximum 7 individual and 2 relay events for the 2022 Summer Provincial Championship and qualified for the final in 5 of his 7 individual events.