Three Airdrie athletes will be added to the 'Elite Athlete Wall' in Genesis Place, naming them the 2023 Airdrie Elite Athletes.

At Monday's city council meeting, Airdrie council recognized and endorsed Farah Walker, Brooke Mauro and Makenna Vandenbrink as the 2023 Airdrie Elite Athletes.

As long as they fulfilled specific requirements, athletes could have been nominated. It is required that you have lived in Airdrie for at least three years. Volunteer your time to benefit the community and attain an exceptional level of athletic achievement in a national or international competition. 

Here is what the athletes have accomplished so far in their athletic careers according to the City of Airdrie.

Having grown up in Airdrie, Farah Walker has used her involvement in sports to give back to the community and encourage more women to take to the rink. Walker joined the U7 team in 2011 to begin her hockey career. Currently, this gifted goalie is a member of Kelowna, British Columbia's Okanagan Hockey Academy Female U18 Prep. She has a gold medal from the 2023 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship and a silver from the U18 Team Alberta Western Regional Championships.

Brooke Mauro has been in Airdrie for a long time and is an athlete, student, and accomplished person in many ways through sports. Every one of Mauro's Baton Twirling competitions is approved for national and international competitions. She has a silver and bronze medal from the 2017 International Cup. Was a Team Canada member at the 2019 International Cup. Received three gold medals at the 2020 Pan Pacific Cup and won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Baton Twirling Competition.

As an athlete, student, and longtime resident of Airdrie, Makenna Vandenbrink has dedicated and mentored others in Taekwondo for many years. She has a bronze medal from the 2023 World Taekwondo Championships, a silver and bronze from the 2023 National Championships and two gold medals from the 2022 Westerns Tournament.

"I hope their families as well as themselves are very proud of their accomplishments, just as their community is," stated Airdrie Councillor Al Jones at a recent council meeting.

Deputy Mayor Tina Petrow explained being able to watch these athletes grow in their sports is truly something special.

"I appreciate everyone who nominated these amazing young adults for this recognition."

On the Elite Athlete Wall in Genesis Place, twelve Airdrie athletes have received recognition since 2010.

A plaque unveiling will be happening later this year at Genesis Place for the three athletes, the date is yet to be determined.

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