(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Spring awards

Nine local athletes named recipients of Red Deer Games Foundation Development Grant

Jan 5, 2026 | 10:34 AM

The Red Deer Games Foundation board of directors has announced the recipients of the Athlete Development Grant for this year’s spring awards.

Officials say these athletes were awarded the grants because they have shown a strong commitment and high level of ability to their sport. They’ve also achieved excellence at the regional, provincial, national, and international levels.

The grants, which the athletes applied for, are meant to help with training and equipment expenses as the athletes pursue their training and competition.

The Red Deer Games Foundation Grant Program has now contributed over $240,000 to deserving athletes since the program began in 1975.

The following athletes have been named recipients:

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Blaire Campbell-Track and Field: Blaire is a member of the Alberta Speed School coached by Ron Hewer. She competed in the Canadian U18 championships, where she was a 100m finalist. She was also a gold medalist in the 200m and a bronze medalist in the 100m at the ASAA Provincial Championships.

Aurelia Kozoletova-Track and Field: Aurelia is a member of the Red Deer Titans Track Club, coached by Maximus Legault. She was a member of Team Alberta for the Alberta Summer Games. She won the gold medal in pole vault at the Summer Games as well as ASAA provincials and Westerns. She will be attending many provincial and national competitions in the upcoming season.

Joshua Gillard-Track and Field: Joshua is a member of the Red Deer Titans Track Club and is coached by Maximus Legault. Joshua is attending Red Deer Polytechnic and is a member of the RDP Track Club. He is a 2025 Collegiate bronze medalist and will be participating at the Golden Bear Open and ACAC championships.

Hayden Matthews-Freestyle Ski: Hayden is a member of the Central Alberta Freestyle Club and is coached by Kristi Richards. During the 2025 season, he qualified for the Jr. Nationals in Quebec, the Canada Cup in Beaver Valley, Ontario, the Canada Cup in Invermere, B.C. and the Alberta Championships in Calgary.

Mac Wawara-Baseball: Mac plays baseball with the Red Deer Minor Baseball Association and is coached by Chris Reitsma. He has participated with Team Alberta at the 2023 Alberta Summer Games and the 2024 Western Canada Baseball Championships. Over the past 3 years, he has proudly worn the Alberta jersey 8 times for both Baseball Alberta and Alberta Amateur Baseball Association team.

Zach MacDonald-Baseball: Zach plays baseball with the Red Deer Minor Baseball Association and the Webber Academy and is coached by Cole Armstrong. Zach was a member of Team Alberta at the 2025 Canada Games at St. John’s, NFLD and participated as a member of Team Canada on the U18 Jr. National team and at the MLB Dominican Republic Instructional league. Zach has committed to play at the University of Michigan on an athletic scholarship in the fall of 2027.

Liam Wygiera-Trampoline: Liam is a member of the Exelta Gymnastics Club and is coached by Jean Brooks. Liam is a member of Team Alberta in Trampoline and has represented Alberta at national championships. He was a silver medallist at the 2025 Provincial Championships and will be competing in Alberta Cup. Elite Canada, Provincial and Nationals championships in 2026.

Madilynn Philips-Freestyle Ski: Madilynn is a member of the RT Freeski and the Central Alberta Freestyle Club and is coached by Rex Thomas. She has participated and medalled in several provincial competitions and is the 2025 Jr. National Champion. She has been named to the 2025 Alberta Freestyle team.

Nathon Kettyle-Kozuback-Speedskating: Nathon is a member of the Red Deer Lion’s Speedskating club and is coached by Brooke Pearman. He has represented Alberta in several short and long track speedskating competitions. He will be attending both the long and short track Canadian Jr. championships this upcoming year.