Last week was a really good one to be in Calgary. The Flames clinched their first playoff berth in six years, and the city’s finest young professionals (YPs) got to celebrate in style at a venue bearing their name at this year’s motionball Gala in support of the Special Olympics. 
A sell-out crowd of 1000 strutted Stephen Ave. to Flames Central on April 10th for one of the year’s premier young professional events. The theme for 2015, Shine, made for a sexy, sophisticated affair, as the ladies more than pulled off glittery gowns and short, shimmery party dresses, while the guys accessorized in the metallic motif.
The evening was emceed by none other than Rick Campanelli, who proved yet again that he’s moved far beyond being “The Temp” and is a real pro on stage, keeping the energy high and the program flowing. Olympic gold medallist Cheryl Bernard also made an appearance, inspiring the crowd with stories of her experience with the athletes of the Special Olympics and the important work motionball does to support them. 
If the popularity of beer halls in Calgary has given you the impression that YPs here don’t love to get their dance on, this crowd was out to prove you wrong, as the floor and stage were shoulder to shoulder. DJ Joe Swell kept them moving, while a sparkly team of professional dancers and a live drummer pumped things up on the back stage well into the early hours of Saturday morning. 
The YPs in attendance this year weren’t just out to impress with their moves, as their generosity didn’t miss a beat either. An enticing silent auction and a raffle for a trip to almost any Fairmont destination in the world, powered by Calgary start-up Goodpin, raised thousands of dollars to support the Special Olympics Canada Foundation.
If you’re looking for more ways to get involved with this YP-powered Canadian charity, motionball will be back in Calgary for their Marathon of Sport on May 30th at Webber Academy. If you’re hoping to run into the some of the fit gala guests again, this might be where you’ll find them – so sign up to captain a team now.
Photo Credit: Tyler Graham
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