Airdrie POPS (Pursuit of Positive Sport) celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship, inclusiveness and joy. Anyone involved in sport, dance and other dynamic activities can be a POPS winner — but it isn’t just for athletes or participants.
“People who put a smile on your face and make you want to be active are the type of nominees we’re looking for,” says Kimble Christie, chair of the Airdrie Sport Council.
airdrielife is pleased to partner with Airdrie POPS and introduce the third round of recipients (find the first two rounds in our Spring and Summer issues).
KIRSTEN BURNS
Soccer/Strength and Conditioning Coach, Tri Fit Training
Kirsten is professional, patient and very knowledgeable. She works well with both adults and kids in Airdrie and area. Her willingness to meet her clients at their level of health is commendable. She is also a great role model for young upcoming leaders and entrepreneurs.
– Nominator Marsha Hamilton-Otuka
I purchased Tri Fit Training in 2024. Since then, I have been so excited to build an environment and culture where athletes can become stronger, healthier and more confident without sacrificing their safety, longevity in their sport and their love of the sport.
For the last two years, I have had the privilege of being the committee lead for the Girl’s Power Weekend in Crossfield. This event is working to bridge the barriers that still exist in female sport and addressing the high dropout rates of girls in sport. I also work closely with Vecova and Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society in Airdrie to provide work-experience opportunities in an inclusive and supportive environment at Tri Fit Training.
When I started in this industry, my mission was to provide a different experience in sport than what a lot of us had growing up. Receiving the POPS Award has solidified that making decisions around my business that puts the athletes at the centre is valued.
What makes Airdrie’s sports and activity community special?
Organizations like the Airdrie Sports Council [are] a great example! I have worked in a number of different communities, and this is the first of its type that I have seen! As well, the collaborative spirit. There is an understanding of “the greater good” in this community, and I have collaborated with so many individuals and have made so many connections because of that.
JORDAN HART
Coach, ADSA Soccer/Team Pacific U13 Boys
With Jordan’s positive and encouraging coaching style, we have seen this U13 team of boys excel with their skill level, enthusiasm and joy of the sport. It’s a joy watching Jordan help develop this team and dominate their tier in Airdrie. With Jordan’s coaching style this team, has become top of their Tier 4 division.
– Nominator Louis Cyr
I have had the privilege of coaching with the Airdrie District Soccer Association for the last three years, both at the community level and the competitive program. The welcoming community has been a fantastic boon that inspires me to keep getting involved and convince others to do the same. There have been many great accomplishments over the years, but, most recently, our U13 team won gold at both the Lacombe Soccer Showdown and the Airdrie Summit Cup tournaments. We are excited to be heading to Provincials this year.
Soccer has always been about building community for me. Whether it be as a coach of a high school team for a decade before my family’s move to Airdrie or running and playing on men’s rec teams, what I appreciate the most is bringing people together for a shared sense of purpose and fun.
Winning the award is a great honour and means that my efforts are being recognized. Having only lived in the community for a few years now, it feels like the planted roots are growing.
What makes Airdrie’s sports and activity community special?
The open and inclusive atmosphere of Airdrie’s sports and activity community has been fantastic, whether it is my son playing with ADSA or my daughter doing gymnastics at Genesis.
Nominations can be made on an ongoing basis at airdriepops.ca.
