Going for gold

It’s been nearly 40 years since Calgary showed its legendary hospitality to the world during the 1988 Winter Olympics — a time that holds a special place in the hearts of many locals.

From the opening ceremonies featuring the school-age kids who came together to put on a colourful show of unity, the iconic Snowbirds sailing over McMahon stadium in a dazzling array, to the heartwarming stories of regular people overcoming all odds to be a part of the energy, the 1988 Olympic Winter Games were something special. Exceptional stories from the games have stood the test of time — like the Jamaican Bobsled Team’s seemingly inconceivable journey from the tropics to a winter wonderland, to the incredible tale of English Ski Jumper Eddie the Eagle soaring over the Calgary skyline.

And now, as the 2026 Winter Olympics commence in Milano Cortina, Italy, those memories come back in spades, sparking memories of busy Calgary streets filled with people from across the globe, and people gathering to watch as the results rolled in and medals were presented.

At United Active Living, that same energy has permeated our communities.  Residents are buzzing about their favourite events, excited to come together to support Team Canada from afar. But there’s more than just fond memories at play in the communities: one of United’s very own team members is about to stand on the Olympic stage.

United team member Nicole Maurer, a member of the Canadian National Ski Jumping team, is making her Olympic debut this year. Her mom (also United’s VP Operations), Kelly Johansson, is  there to cheer her on in person, as residents and employees rally behind Nicole here at home, tuning in across all communities to witness her Olympic debut.

Nicole said knowing the residents will be watching adds something extra as she competes on the international stage. “It’s something I’ll carry with me,” she said. “It means a lot knowing they’re cheering me on.”

For Kelly, seeing her daughter reach the Olympics has been both emotional and overwhelming. “I still remember the day she climbed onto a ski jump at five years old when I stepped away for a coffee,” she said. “That fearless first jump set everything in motion, and to see her now competing on the Olympic stage, with an entire community cheering her on, is incredibly special.”

 “Nicole is part of our United family and someone our residents and team are so proud of all that she has accomplished,” said Kim O’Brien, president and CEO of United Active Living. “Following her path to the Olympics and now celebrating her on the world stage has brought our residents, families and team members together. It has made this year’s Games even more meaningful, and we are excited to cheer her on from home.”

Residents at all five United Active Living communities gathered Saturday morning to host a watch party, donning their Canadian colours for good measure. They are thrilled to support Nicole as she takes flight. Last October, she stopped by each United community to share her journey to the Olympics and how she got involved in the sport. 

Shirley, a resident at Garrison Green, arrived to the watch party fully decked out in her Canadian best, “It is so exciting to see someone we know at the Olympics, we are so proud of Nicole and we are all cheering her on!” 

The crowd erupted as Nicole took first place during her first jump, with Kelly on standby behind the wire giving the community up to the minute updates, and answering resident questions during the breaks. “This is such a monumental occasion,” says Angela Elia, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at United, “We are absolutely thrilled to be here, the residents and team members are behind her 100%. What an amazing experience to witness live.”  

Members of the press, including Postmedia, the CBC, and Global TV, stopped by Garrison Green to share Nicole’s story, so be sure to stay tuned to watch Nicole’s journey, along with Team United.