Robert (Bob) Steadward
A track and field athlete for the University of Alberta in 1964, Robert Steadward has had a long and distinguished career as a sports administrator.He completed a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta followed by an MSc in 1971. In 1978, he attained a PhD from the University of Oregon before returning to the University of Alberta where he continued teaching and began researching physical disabilities in sport. Steadward has been involved as a sports coach and administrator both locally and internationally.
He founded and continues to serve as the CEO of the Rick Hansen Centre (renamed the Steadward Centre in his honour by the University), a multi-sport, fitness, lifestyle, and research facility on campus for disabled people.
He is Honorary President of the International Paralympic Committee since his founding of the organization in 1989, and a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee from 2000-02.
He has also served as a member of the International Olympic Committee from 2000-02 and was named to the Order of Canada in 1999. The University of Alberta has given Steadward numerous awards in recognition of his dedication to teaching and research. In 2002, he was inducted to the University of Alberta's Sports Wall of Fame.
Steadward has also been inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame, as well as into the Alberta and Edmonton Sports Halls of Fame.