Reliving ’88 Olympic memories

It’s hard to believe that it has been 30 years since we hosted the Olympics. And if the gods deem it so, we will play host to the world again in 2026. For those lucky enough to be in our fair city in 1988, you will no doubt remember with great fondness the experience from beginning to end. Many have opined it was then that we came of age. And the legacy thankfully lives on to this day.

Scores of guests gathered at the Markin MacPhail Centre at COP on Feb. 23 for a WinSport-hosted free event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the ’88 Winter Olympics. The event proved the perfect opportunity to trot out '88 attire and relive the magical moments. Fabulous food, myriad memorabilia displays, entertainment and more were the perfect pairings for the fun event.

Guests in attendance this night included: WinSport’s director of marketing, communications and sponsorships, John Francis; Canada Sports Hall of Fame’s Ruth Cowan; WinSport director of food and beverage, Jason McKay; pastry/sous chef Melanie Hennessey; executive chef Liana Robberecht; sous chef Maria Besuijen; WinSport director of guest experience, Rusty Noble; RMT’s Christine Noble; Calgary Stampede’s Rachel Joyce; WinSport director of finance, Phil Graham; ’88 volunteers Laurie Champagne and Marlene Gukert; Olympian Rod Garossino; WinSport’s Jody Dickson and Christine Bogue; Evolution A.V.'s Dan Keelan; Jason and Tina Tamagi; and WinSport COO John Sutherland and his wife Lynn Sutherland.

PHOTOS: BILL BROOKS Pictured with legendary figure skater Rod Garossino at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Calgary Winter Olympic are ‘88 volunteers Laurie Champagne, left, and Marlene Gukert. Who can forget Garossino and his sister Karyn’s fabulous ice dancing...

From left, Jason Tamagi, Lynn Sutherland, WinSport COO John Sutherland and MEG Energy’s Tina Tamagi.

WinSport pastry/sous chef Melanie Hennessy pulled out all the stops for the 30th anniversary party at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park.

All smiles at the Calgary ’88 30th anniversary party held Feb. 23 at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park are, from left, WinSport director of marketing, communications and sponsorships John Francis; Canada Sports Hall of Fame’s Ruth Cowan; and WinSport’s...

Pictured, from left, are Rusty Noble, WinSport director of Guest Experience, RMT’s Christine Noble, Calgary Stampede’s Rachel Joyce and WinSport vice-president, finance, Phil Graham. The free event was attended by scores of guests.

WinSport sous chef Maria Besuijen, left, and executive chef Liana Robberecht.

From left, WinSport’s Jody Dickson, Evolution Audio Visual’s Dan Keelan and WinSport’s Christine Bogue.