From the Thrift Store floor to the top of the podium!
Casey‑Jae Kruse’s success in the pool is guided not only by laps, but by determination, discipline, and a love of the water she once feared. A store associate at the Salvation Army Thrift Store location in Strathmore, Alberta, Casey‑Jae is the 2026 recipient of the Jack Gregory Special Olympics Calgary Athlete of the Year award.
Presented annually by the Calgary Booster Club, the Jack Gregory Athlete of the Year award recognizes the region’s leading athlete. Named for Jack Gregory, a longtime ambassador of Special Olympics Calgary, the honour celebrates excellence, dedication, and community spirit, qualities Casey‑Jae embodies both in and out of the pool.
Five Gold Medals and a Place on Team Alberta
Casey-Jae learned she had won the award in March, following her participation in a Special Olympics meet in Grande Prairie, Alberta, where she won five gold medals! This success has earned her a spot on Team Alberta, which will compete at the Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta in August.
“I was shocked because there are a lot of athletes who could have deserved this award this year and I did not think honestly, I was one of them. But I am very happy,” Casey-Jae says.
More Than Medals: Commitment to the Special Olympics Community
While athletic achievement is a key consideration, the award recognizes more than success in competition. Sportsmanship and involvement in Special Olympics community‑building events are also important factors.
“I think I was selected because of the commitment that I’ve put to Special Olympics this past year. I made sure I was committed to everything as much as I possibly could,” Casey-Jae says. “I have no idea who nominated me so it’s a surprise.”
A Team Player at Work and in Sport
That same sense of dedication is evident in her work at the Strathmore store. Store Manager Makayla Burke says Casey‑Jae brings the same team‑first mindset to her role with guests and co‑workers.
“I’ve been working with Casey for a long time and she’s incredible. She’s such a nice person. As much as she’s a team player in her sport, she is such a team player for the store. I’m just incredibly happy to see the success that she’s having and I think it’s well deserved,” Makayla says.
Eyes on the World Stage
Looking ahead, Casey‑Jae has set her sights even higher. In October 2027, Team Canada will gather in Santiago, Chile, for the Special Olympics World Championships, and she hopes to be there representing the country on the world stage.
Congratulations on your amazing success, Casey-Jae. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our Thrift Store community, and we wish you all the best for your upcoming competitions, and for your hard work on behalf of the Special Olympics!
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