Sask Sport is deeply saddened by the loss of founding member, Don Clark.
Don helped found Sask Sport in 1972 and served on the board from 1977 to 1979 as the first Vice President of Programs. During his time on the board, he worked with universities to develop assistance programs for athletes, and furthered volunteer recognition through the fall conference and awards program.
Don’s long and celebrated career in sport began as a football player and wrestler in the 1960s at the University of Saskatchewan, where he would also serve as assistant coach for the football team.
After joining the University of Regina’s Department of Physical Education as a professor in 1970, Don coached the men’s wrestling team for 13 seasons and served as president of the Saskatchewan Amateur Wrestling Association for 12 years.
Don’s work in sport continued after his retirement from coaching in 1985 and from the university in 1998. He served as Vice-President for the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association from 1997 to 2002, and became the Director of the National Coaching Institute for the Canadian Sport Centre Saskatchewan in 2008, where he played a significant role in helping update what is now known as the Advanced Coach Diploma. He also served as part of the Canadian staff in a variety of roles at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World University Games, and the North American Indigenous Games.
Don was recognized numerous times for his service throughout his career, including Sask Sport’s volunteer recognition award in 1983, the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association’s Maple Leaf Award in 1997, and the Wrestling Canada Lutte Outstanding Contribution Award in 2022.
He was inducted to the University of Saskatchewan Athletic Wall of Fame in 1987, the University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
Don’s obituary can be read here.