Leigh Sauer receives the 2024 Calgary AA Ringette Service Award

Congratulations to Leigh Sauer, the recipient of the 2024 Calgary AA Ringette Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who contribute outstanding service and dedication to the AA program and to the sport of ringette. Leigh was a co-recipient of our association’s Service Award in 2017 with his daughter Jenna, recognized for their ongoing dedication to coaching in the AA Ringette Calgary program. In total, Leigh coached 8 seasons with AA Ringette Calgary, gaining great respect from athletes, family, and the AA Ringette Calgary Board for his encouraging and enthusiastic approach on and off the ice.  Of note, he was the Ringette Alberta Coach of the Year in 2011.  Even though he has "retired" from coaching for AA Ringette, he has remained engaged in our association, serving on the Head Coach Selection committee, evaluating coaches at the Competitive Introduction level, and providing mentorship and advice to our coaches and board members throughout the season. He, along with his wife Kelli and daughter Lilli, coordinate the ringette community as Team Jenna for the Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope each fall, a fitting tribute to his daughter Jenna, but also a way to unite the AA Ringette Calgary family early in the season and remind us all of the privilege we have of playing ringette. The Sauer family also presents the Jenna Sauer Spirit in Coaching Award, recognizing AA Ringette Calgary athletes and alumni who give back to the sport through positive coaching, mentorship and enthusiasm. In addition to the contributions to our association, Leigh served on the Ringette Alberta Board and dedicated hours upon hours to improving the delivery of ringette programming within Alberta. He has been a true leader and champion of the sport locally and provincially.