Ozzie Sawicki
Paralympic Builder- Inducted 2024
Ozzie Sawicki’s dedicated career in sports spans over three decades, marked by an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Ozzie served as the head coach for the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team, achieving remarkable success at the Salt Lake City Paralympic Games in 2002, and starting a journey in Paralympic sport that would define his career.
Leadership roles continued as head coach of the Canadian Para-Athletes team, and performance advisor to both the Canadian Para-Equestrian and Olympic 3-day Eventing Equestrian teams. His leadership extended to the position of Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, where Canada exceeded performance goals.
Beyond coaching, Ozzie’s leadership in Paralympic sport has seen him serve in roles including International Paralympic Committee Head of Technical Control and Officiating – World Para Alpine Skiing, and as a Board member with the Canadian Paralympic Committee. An international Ski Federation Alpin Skiing Technical Delegate, Ozzie has been a lead official in both the Para and Able-bodied alpine skiing community, serving as a lead Para-Alpine official at the Vancouver, Pyeong Chang, and recent Beijing Paralympic Games.
Ozzie’s Para-sport development legacy is reflected through numerous initiatives including developing the initial Para-Alpine coach education programs, and staying close to his alpine skiing roots, acting as Program Director for Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Alberta since 2016.
Deeply involved in his community, Ozzie’s most recent role as President of the Cochrane and Area Chamber of Commerce, reflects an ongoing commitment to others.
Ozzie’s contributions to sports have been recognized through a myriad of awards, including receiving the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his significant role in building Paralympic Sport in Canada and internationally. Other notable accolades include the Canada Ski Coaches Federation Dave Murray Memorial Coach of the Year Award, Alberta Don Watts Coach Developer of the Year, and Alberta Business Awards of Distinction Winner for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Ozzie was also inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame for Coaching in 2017, a testament to his impact on the world of sports and accessibility.
