Heritage and Philanthropy
Join us for an extraordinary night at the Calgary Italian Sportsmen's Dinner, the city's premier event that beautifully intertwines Italian culinary art, rich culture, unwavering camaraderie, and the joy of celebration. This year, we are thrilled to host an evening with the Canadian Olympic champion, Donovan Bailey, a symbol of excellence and determination.
Over $1 million dollars has been donated to various charities since our inception.
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Dedicated to celebrating Italian heritage, supporting youth, and fostering community through annual gatherings that honour tradition, excellence, and philanthropy.
Our Mission
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Our Legacy
Rooted in tradition since the spring of 1963, our dinner's inception was marked by a gathering initiated by Luca Carloni, a visionary in our community. It was more than just a meeting; it was the birth of a legacy that has since celebrated the Italian spirit, supported youth, and contributed significantly to our community through volunteerism and philanthropy. As a non-profit organization, we take pride in our history, driven by the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of our community.
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A Night of Inspiration
The Calgary Italian Sportsmen's Dinner is more than just an event; it's a celebration of Italian heritage, a nod to exceptional athleticism, and a testament to the academic prowess of young students. This year, we continue our tradition of honoring three high school students of Italian descent who excel in both athletics and academics, awarding them each a $5,000.00 scholarship. Additionally, runners-up will receive scholarships of $1,000.00 and $500.00, affirming our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
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Join the Celebration
We invite you to be part of this illustrious evening, where you'll not only indulge in the finest Italian cuisine and wine but also contribute to a noble cause. Your participation supports our ongoing mission to empower young athletes and scholars, ensuring their futures are as bright and promising as the community we cherish.
Donovan Bailey
2024 Keynote Speaker
Donovan Anthony Bailey, a Jamaican-born Canadian sprinter, achieved monumental success in track and field. His crowning moment came at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, where he clinched the gold medal in the men's 100m, setting a world record with a phenomenal time of 9.84 seconds. This victory not only earned him the title of the world's fastest man but also marked a significant moment in Canadian athletics, especially following the controversy surrounding Ben Johnson. Bailey didn't stop there; he further demonstrated his sprinting prowess by anchoring the Canadian 4x100m relay team to another Olympic gold, making history by defeating the American quartet for the first time in the Olympics.
Bailey's illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades, including three gold medals and one silver at the IAAF World Championships. His journey in athletics, marked by his transition from basketball enthusiast to sprinting legend, showcases his dedication and resilience. After retiring from sports, Bailey's impact continued through his induction into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, and Canada's Walk of Fame, celebrating a legacy that transcends his athletic achievements (Encyclopedia Britannica) (Wikipedia) (The Canadian Encyclopedia) (Olympic) (The Famous People) (World Athletics).
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Marco Christian Carducci
2024 Master of Ceremonies
Marco Christian Carducci, the acclaimed goalkeeper for Cavalry FC and the Canada national team, stands out in Canadian soccer for his stellar performances and significant contributions. As the first Canadian Premier League player to be called up to the national team, Carducci's influence extends beyond the pitch. His awards, including the Volkswagen Premier Performer of the Year and the Golden Glove in 2019, underscore his exceptional talent. Despite a challenging battle with testicular cancer, Carducci's resilience and advocacy for health awareness demonstrate his strength and character. His leadership and community involvement, particularly with KidSport Calgary and men's health initiatives, further highlight his role as a prominent figure in Canadian soccer and beyond (Wikipedia) (Cavalry FC) (Goalkeeper) (Canadian Premier League) (Cavalry FC) (Daily Hive) (Global News).
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John Ireandia
Guest Speaker
John Ircandia, the founder and managing director of the Okotoks Dawgs Baseball Club, is a pivotal figure in Canadian baseball, recognized for his influential role in developing the club and its academy. His leadership has significantly contributed to the team's success and popularity, with the Dawgs becoming a top draw in summer college baseball. Ircandia's commitment to enhancing facilities and nurturing young talent through the Dawgs Academy has established a strong foundation for the growth of baseball in the region (Dawgs Baseball) (Western Canadian Baseball League) (Western Canadian Baseball League).
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Brent Krahn
Guest Speaker
Brent Krahn, once a promising goalie prospect for the Calgary Flames and an NHL first-round draft pick, transitioned into a media role following his hockey career. His time with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL was marked by significant achievements, setting the stage for his NHL journey. Despite a brief stint in the league and various challenges, including injuries, Krahn found a new path in broadcasting with FAN 960 Radio, demonstrating adaptability and resilience. His experiences, including a daunting battle with COVID-19, add depth to his persona, resonating with fans and listeners alike, showcasing his impact both in and out of the sports arena (Wikipedia) (Calgary Flames Alumni) (CityNews Calgary) (HockeyDB) (Elite Prospects).
SUPPORTED CHARITIES
For over 57 years, the Calgary Italian Sportsmen's Dinner Association has proudly contributed over $1 million to local and national charities, embodying our core belief that prosperity comes with the privilege and responsibility of aiding those in need. Our history of partnership with numerous charities is a testament to our commitment. To discover more about our mission and how you can engage with our efforts, we invite you to explore opportunities for involvement and contribution.
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Marco Christian Carducci
2024 Master of Ceremonies
Marco Christian Carducci is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Canadian Premier League club Cavalry FC and Canada national team. First CPL player to get a call to the Canadian National team. Won the 2019 VW Premier Performer of the Year award and the Golden Glove award. Tallied 9 clean sheets in 2019, most in regular season play.
SUPPORTED CHARITIES
John Ircandia