Two Airdrie athletes will be recognized for their outstanding achievements in a plaque unveiling ceremony next week on Thursday, February 9 at Genesis Place. The ceremony is hosted by the city.

The Airdrie Elite Athlete program recognizes current or former long-time Airdrie residents who have achieved athletic excellence in their field and who have made significant contributions to the Airdrie community.

Both Chad Anheliger (UFC) and Sienna MacDonald (Track and Field) will be honoured for their achievements in sport.

MacDonald began competing in Track and Field while attending George McDougall High School in Airdrie and had won a national championship in Heptathlon, a Canada West championship in Pentathlon, and a gold medal in the 60-meter hurdles at the Simplot games. She has made many contributions to the local sports community coaching basketball and officiating Track and Field. She has gone on to compete with the University of Calgary Dinos.

While Anheliger, a long-time resident of Airdrie, through determination and skill now competes in one of the most elite groups in Mixed Martial Arts - the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was the debut winner by knockout at the 2022 Las Vegas UFC. He also won Dana White Contender Series in 2021, which is where he was awarded his UFC contract. In 2019, he won the 2019 Bantamweight Championship Canadian Pro Title by knockout.

Clay Aragon, City of Airdrie manager of recreation, culture and social planning said that both athletes have shown extraordinary dedication to both their sport and their community through the Elite Athlete program.

“This year’s recipients are both rising stars in their respective sports and have already demonstrated incredible skill. We are excited to see where their careers take them.”

The 2022 Elite Athlete award recipients were approved by Council on November 21. Nominations for the Airdrie Elite Athlete program are accepted year-round and are reviewed every Fall.

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