2023 Top 7 Over 70 Winners Announced!

2023 Top 7 Over 70 Winners at the luncheon announcement 
L-R: Dr. Benno Nigg, Ron Ghitter, John Scott, Mogens Smed, Janice McTighe, Tania Willumsen and Tom Jackson (photo banner)

The highly anticipated announcement of the Top 7 Over 70 winners was held at Heritage Park's Gasoline Alley earlier this month.  After careful consideration, the committee has selected the seven outstanding recipients from numerous nominations.  Each one will be presented their award at the gala on October 23rd. 

The Top 7 Over 70 is a biennial celebration that honours Calgary and area individuals who have achieved remarkable success after age 70.  This boosts the economy by shining a light on an important resource in our community — older adults — and supporting new high-potential entrepreneurs. It promotes the concept of communities maximizing and engaging older individuals, who are practiced, prepared and proficient in a multitude of areas.

If you are interested in supporting this initiative and/or would like to purchase gala tickets, please sign up here. 

2023 Top 7 Over 70 Winners

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 two years in a row, while also starting his own sports research company.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

Brian Felesky, InterGen co-founder, and Jim Gray, Top 7 Over 70 founder. 

InterGen Team with Trico Living Well

More about about Top 7 Over 70 here.