Chris McIntyre, 2025 Volunteer in Sport Award Recipient

When Chris McIntyre first stepped into coaching, it wasn’t because he had a long history with the sport. In fact, he’d never played volleyball. But during his teaching internship in Picture Butte, he saw a need and decided to step up. That decision — to help out however he could — set the tone for a lifetime of volunteering in school and community sport.

Chris has since coached teams in volleyball, basketball, badminton, cross country running, slow pitch, hockey, and, for the past 13 years, ringette. He jokes that he’s had less to do with hockey, the sport he grew up playing, than just about any other — and he’s completely okay with that. His approach to coaching isn’t about expertise in a specific sport. It’s about being present, being supportive, and helping kids build confidence through movement and teamwork.

“There’s something special about creating a space where kids can connect, grow, and feel like they belong,” Chris said. “Sport gave me a lot growing up, and I just wanted to give some of that back.”

What keeps him coming back year after year? For one, the athletes. Many of them he’s coached for several seasons. “They’re just so coachable. They’re good people. You can’t help but want to show up for them, even after a long day. Even for those late-night practices.”

One of Chris’s favourite memories came during a ringette provincial championship with his U16 team. After a rocky start, they had to win back-to-back games to stay in medal contention. They did, and a ten-minute “mini-game” was the only thing standing between them and the semi-finals. With barely any time between games, the team raced down the highway — players still in gear, skates and gloves tossed into vehicles, and goalie pads making seatbelts a challenge. “At one point I had to pull over on the highway to buckle in our goalie,” Chris laughed. “It was chaos, but we made it. We scored the winning goal with four seconds left.” That win carried them to the semi-finals, and eventually, to gold. “Those medals are still hanging up,” he said, “but the memory of that wild mini-game day is what really sticks.”

For Chris, it’s never been about the medals. It’s about the values — respect for officials, support for teammates, and the belief that winning isn’t just about the scoreboard. “It’s about being a winner — showing up, working hard, being kind.”

Over the years, volunteering in sport has shaped Chris as much as he’s shaped the athletes he’s coached. It’s helped him build lasting relationships with young people, many of whom he’s watched grow into confident, respectful adults. It’s also reminded him that learning never stops — even for the coach. “I’ve learned so much from the athletes, their families, and other coaches. I’ve become a better person because of it.”

When Chris received the Lethbridge Sport Council’s Volunteer in Sport Award, it hit home in a different way. “This one really got me,” he said. “It made me think back on all those weekends away, early mornings, and late-night practices, and realize just how much it’s meant to me.”

Chris doesn’t volunteer for the recognition. But we’re glad he got it. Because behind every confident pass, every new skill mastered, every team huddle — there’s someone like Chris making sure the game can happen at all.