The City of Airdrie's Genesis Place has presented a lifetime achievement award and a lifetime membership to a regular patron after she completed a half‑marathon challenge at the recreation centre.
Local centre recognises sustained commitment
Lovepreet Deo, who describes the facility as her "second home," was honoured following the half‑marathon event she staged at Genesis Place in June as part of an annual birthday challenge. The award acknowledges both the physical accomplishment and Deo’s long‑term involvement with the centre.
Deo told staff she selects a physical goal each year to mark her birthday; previous challenges have included climbing Calgary's Memorial Stairs and other demanding activities. This year she kept the challenge on familiar ground, completing a 21.1‑kilometre effort at the Airdrie facility.
“Just keep going. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do something,”
The recipient, who has cerebral palsy, said she has long worked to exceed others’ expectations. In her account, she was once told she would not walk or speak. She said completing the half‑marathon and continuing a regular fitness routine are part of proving those predictions wrong.
Routine and community impact
Deo attends Genesis Place about four days a week and works part‑time. Stationary biking is her preferred activity and forms a central part of her fitness regimen. She intends to keep using the facility as a platform for new goals.
- Event: Half‑marathon completed at Genesis Place
- Award: Lifetime achievement award and lifetime membership
- Participation: Visits about four days weekly; favourite activity is biking
City recreation centres often serve as more than gym space; they can be hubs for social connection, rehabilitation and long‑term health. When patrons with disabilities are visible in those spaces and are publicly recognised, it can influence programming, accessibility conversations and community expectations about inclusion.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Regular attendance | About four days per week |
| Recent challenge | Half‑marathon in June |
| Preferred activity | Biking at Genesis Place |
The recognition also underscores the role municipal recreation programming plays in enabling residents to pursue fitness goals across ability levels. Deo said she hopes her story encourages others to persist through obstacles and keep seeking new achievements.
Genesis Place did not provide additional comments beyond presenting the award and the lifetime membership. Local residents can expect to see more community stories and updates from InfoRadar on recreation and accessibility initiatives in Airdrie.
