WADE KOLMEL

WADE KOLMEL

Profession: Director of Sport & Student Wellness, Keyano College
Age: 43 • Years in Wood Buffalo: 16

Fight the urge to be one dimensional.

For a decade and a half, 43-year-old Wade Kolmel has called Wood Buffalo home. He moved to Northern Alberta after completing degrees at the University of Manitoba and Regina.

He is a mainstay at Keyano College; as Director of Sport & Student Wellness he has increased the ongoing competitiveness of the Huskies Athletics Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey and other tournament sports, amongst many other professional accomplishments.

Wade is actively involved in local figure skating, minor hockey, baseball, and every multi-sport championship hosted in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo since 2000. He is currently President of the Wood Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Society, and an advocate of the future Wood Buffalo Sport Connection. Completing his second term with the Alberta Sport Connection, Wade co-chaired the Alberta Sport Plan that guides the programs and services made available across the province.

A former recipient of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Director of the Year, Wade is very proud of the three CCAA National Championship Committee that he has been part of in Fort McMurray.

Wade is a firm believer that children should try as many sport and art-related activities as possible. He has three kids and a very understanding spouse, and together they enjoy the Birchwood Trails, Vista Ridge, and the Suncor Leisure Centre as often as possible. Wade enjoys mountain biking, reading, and building his outdoor rink.

When reflecting on his favourite thing about living in Wood Buffalo, the rural environment, the core group of volunteers that push our sport and arts community forward, and the outdoor activities that surround us are at the top of his list.

Wade’s commitment to advocating for and providing life-changing sport experiences in Wood Buffalo are key reasons he has been named one of YMM’s Top 50 Under 50.