Ference, Olympic medallists named to sports board

Former NHLer Andrew CALGARY Ference has been named the chair of what the NDP government says will be a more diverse board for Alberta Sport Connection, the province’s sport promotion and development agency.

The new board was unveiled Thursday at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, with other new members including Olympic gold medallist Erica Wiebe, Olympic Silver medallist Helen Upperton, Paralympian Antonio Flores and indigenous sport advocate Kody Taylor.

Ference, an Edmonton native who captained the Oilers and also played for the Calgary Flames during his 17-year NHL career, said serving on the board was a way to make people’s lives better.

“It’s an opportunity to stay involved in sports in some way and especially in a role like this, where you can really have a massive positive impact on the whole province. Like I said, I believe in the power of sport on so many different levels. I think it’s a direct health care issue, both mental and physical,” he told reporters.

Ference is known for his support of environmental initiatives, including creating a carbon offset program for NHL players. He has also been a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community.

He said sports has the ability to cut across barriers and foster inclusion.

“You’re really trying to make sure that everybody has access to the opportunity to play sports and be part of those strong communities.”

The NDP government has launched a recruitment initiative to make the province’s agencies, boards and commissions more reflective of Alberta’s population as a whole.

Premier Rachel Notley said the new Alberta sport board members bring “special knowledge and skills ... they also bring diversity.”

“ASC’s new board is composed and men and women, it represents large and small communities and people from a variety of age groups,” she said.

“Our new board members also bring with them a tremendous understanding of sports and the huge benefits of active lifestyles.”