Age is truly just a number. Case in point? Calgary’s new Top 7 Over 70 winners are achieving remarkable success in everything from entrepreneurship, education and human rights to arts, sports and philanthropy.
“The accomplishments of these individuals are truly inspirational,” says Top 7 Over 70 chair Monica Zurowski. “They are making a difference in our community every day and contributing to our economic and social fabric in a myriad of ways.”
This year’s Top 7 Over 70 winners — who started exceptional new ventures after the age of 70 — are:
* RON GHITTER: A former senator, this 88-year-old life-time public servant has created a new human rights forum. In his spare time, he’s put Calgary on the tennis map by raising millions to build the amazing Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre in the city.
* DR. BENNO NIGG: An 85-year-old biomechanics expert, Benno’s knowledge of athletic shoes has been sought by everyone from Nike and Adidas to Lululemon; he and colleagues even worked with David Beckham. He’s helped the U of C Faculty of Kinesiology land a position as the No. 1 sports medicine school in North America 5 years in a row, while also starting his own sports research company.
* JOHN SCOTT: If there’s one person whose name is associated with luring big-budget films to southern Alberta, it’s John Scott. This 83-year-old rancher is a leading Canadian stunt expert, who continues to put southern Alberta on Hollywood’s map and recently received a “location of the year” award at the world-famous Cannes film festival.
* JANICE McTIGHE: Janice is an 82-year-old visionary educator who is opening a $30-million junior/senior high school for Calgary kids with disabilities. Previously, she started Renfrew Educational Services in 1974 and grew it into an internationally recognized program that has helped thousands of students with physical and cognitive special needs.
* TANIA WILLUMSEN: This 76-year-old Calgary woman demonstrates how one person can truly make a difference. She’s been helping Ukrainian refugees settle here and assisting them with everything from entering the labour market and learning the language to counselling, financial support and emotional support.
* MOGENS SMED: Mogens is a well-known 75-year-old Calgary entrepreneur and innovator, who showed — yet again — that it’s never too late to start something new. He created another new business at age 71 and within four years he’s already grown that enterprise to one employing almost 500 people.
* TOM JACKSON: A 74-year-old award-winning actor, whose film, TV and music projects grow in scope every year, we know Tom’s work from North of 60 and the Huron Carole. He’s now working on the new series Sullivan’s Crossing, while also creating a detective drama and continuing his philanthropic work via new music and video projects.
TOP 7 OVER BACKGROUND
What is the Top 7 Over 70?
The Top 7 Over 70 is an inspiring, biennial celebration (occurring every two years) that 1.) Recognizes Calgary and area individuals achieving remarkable success in a myriad of pursuits started after age 70; and, 2.) Helps kick start the economy by shining a light on an important resource in our community — older adults — and supporting high potential entrepreneurs.
“Forget every out-dated belief you may have heard about aging,” says Jim Gray, the energy guru and philanthropist who launched the awards after years of meeting exceptional people starting exceptional ventures later in life. “There are many older adults achieving remarkable results in fields ranging from business, science and the arts to health, fitness, philanthropy and more.”
Why is the program vital?
It’s increasingly important to tap into the experience and potential of older individuals. Statistics Canada says our country now has more people aged 65-plus than children under 15. And, by 2036, seniors could number between 9.9 million and 10.9 million in Canada. Top 7 Over 70 promotes the concept of communities better utilizing and engaging older individuals, who are practiced, prepared and proficient in a multitude of areas. To thrive as a society, it’s a vital direction.
When do the recipients receive their awards?
The 2023 Top 7 Over 70 awards will be presented at a gala on Oct. 23, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency.
Who does the Top 7 Over 70 organization support?
As a non-profit, Top 7 Over 70 supports a sister organization called InterGen — a talent development and matching platform that is helping to re-energize Calgary’s economy. InterGen matches experienced individuals with younger entrepreneurs, thus creating multigenerational teams that can rapidly scale growth. High-potential companies are also supported via educational offerings and training, to help propel our economy forward. More details are at InterGenConnect.com
Watch for more Top 7 Over 70 news on this site in the future.