Pincher Creek's Max Gibb Award Winners Brenda Shenton and Kim Jorgenson

Brenda Shenton and Kim Jorgenson, Max Gibb Award winners

Toni Lucas

During the Southern Alberta Summer Games Opening Ceremonies held on Wednesday, July 4, two Pincher Creek residents were given a Max Gibb Award for their contributions to the games. Photography Chair Brenda Shenton and Medals and Ceremonies and Swimming Chair Kim Jorgenson. They were personally awarded their plaques by the namesake of the award himself, Max Gibb.

"I was thrilled that Max Gibb was here in person for our games. That was really special to me," said Shenton. She remembered when Max Gibb was the local swimming coach and believes that he was the Recreational Director for Pincher Creek early on during the games. Shenton was in the very first games in 1970, "Probably the first four." She talked about the day when the early games athletic track was literal dirt. "We had rain one year, and the street sweeper was out there trying to make the track dry enough to race." Keeping those memories alive, Shenton collected and displayed a historical tribute to the games that could be viewed as part of the photography display.

Shenton at one portion of the SASG historical photography display

"I have to say that when I heard he was here, I was tickled just to meet Max Gibb," said Jorgenson. It was amazing that he was giving me an award on top of that. I was quite shocked." Jorgenson and Shenton were not told ahead of time that they were recipients of the award. Jorgenson found out that Max Gibb was speaking she sat in the front row because she was excited to hear his speech.

Shenton did not even know that Gibb was going to appear. "I thought, 'Gee, that guy looks like Max Gibb.' They invite him every year, every summer games committee does," explained Shenton. An invitation does not always get Gibb himself in person, however. Shenton and Jorgenson were both surprised and delighted to get the award. "I like that it is two swimmers," said Shenton, laughing.

Jorenson with her award winning photo of her daughter

"Two Dolphins," added Jorgenson. "I am honoured. I volunteer for the community because that's what I should do. I have always been about the kids, always. I am happy being the worker bee. Give me a job to do, and I'll do it. I am completely humbled that people see a different thing, and that they want to give me an award for it. And that it was Max Gibb, and I got to get a hug from him and to thank him for everything he did to make this possible, and have him say, 'Oh, but you did it too, that's why you are getting this award."

Shenton agreed that it was an amazing experience. "I feel really honoured to be in the company of the people who have won the award, because many of them are my mentors as volunteers. I was thrilled that it was Max Gibb presenting the award." The other highlight for Shenton was that her granddaughter was in her arms while she was presented with the award. "I love that, because it is the whole story, and he basically said that." 

Brenda Shenton

The two proved their mettle in swimming.  Shenton received four medals for her efforts in the 2014 SASG.  She got two Gold medals in swimming - one for Fly, and one for Short Freestyle, a Silver in Backstroke, and a Bronze for a Masters Relay.   Jorgenson won 2 bronze medals:  One in photography for a photo of her daughter, Hanna swimming, and one for Free Swimming Relay in her age category.  Both women were competing in the age group of 45 and over.

They both agreed that volunteering is an important part of the spirit of a community, and are delighted with how it affects those around them, of any generation. they did not expect to be noticed for their efforts however. "I'm much like Kim, in that I don't do it to be noticed," explained Shenton. "I do it because that's what makes the world go around. Otherwise, it wouldn't happen. This whole community was made on the backs of volunteers. From day one, from pioneers."

Jorgenson has a wall in her house that is decorated with her children's moments of achievements. A friend told her that she should walk up to the middle of the wall, push everything aside and make a large space in the middle for her award to be displayed because in his estimation 'Without this, not of those would have happened.' "I had never thought of it that way, but when he said that, it made me cry."

"It's all about solving problems, and every year it's different problems," said Jorgenson who has been involved in the games for 14 years. "I love meets, but the difference about summer games is it's all about participation." Jorgenson became involved with the Pincher Creek Dolphins through then Dolphin President, Brian Wright. 

Both Jorgenson and Shenton praised the effort of Wright as Games Chair, volunteer, spectator and participant during the games. "He is an awesome example of a Games Chair. He's a great guy, I have know him since we were kids," said Shenton.

Shenton explained further that "It's not about competition, there's a spot for everyone. That was their mandate, and after 45 years, they are still meeting their mandate. As many people as possible to participate. One of the highlights for me is that it's such a family event, and a multi generational event, at the pool, at the track, at the photography exhibit, that's one of my favourite things about the summer games. That's what makes it carry forward for 45 years." She brought up bowling, cribbage, and photography along with other events that make it possible for many generations of a single family represented. "I like that Pincher Creek provided the opportunity for seniors to be involved."

Shenton explained that the Dolphins have run since 1961. "A lot of other little towns had quit, and started up again, but we are the only one that ha never stopped since 1961. Every year. It's so gratifying for me to see the next generation doing it. For me to go to summer games and see our club is still very strong and vibrant is very rewarding for me." Shenton was involved as an executive with the Dolphins Club from 1990 - 2001.

Shenton said that she and Jorgenson met at the 2004 SASG. "We were both on a relay team, and she was 8 months pregnant. I thought, 'This woman is that pregnant, and she is going to swim in the relay? My kind of gal." The team got silver for that relay race and were each awarded a medal. Jorgenson was given a bouquet of flowers with an extra gold medal wrapped around it for her unborn son, Kullen who was along for the ride. "In his baby book, there is a gold medal for him from the 2004 SASG."

Kim Jorgenson

"The parents always have to step up, and make it happen," said Shenton. "And most parents do."

"It's about family, and about family participation, and I think we showed that in Pincher Creek very well," said Jorgenson.

Shenton nodded. "Me too."