RBC OLYMPIANS
Olympians Blitz the 2025 RBC JCC Sports Dinner, Where Prestige Meets Purpose
This year’s RBC JCC Sports Dinner welcomes a diverse community of premier athletes, including some of Canada’s most inspiring RBC Olympians in sports ranging from rowing and rugby to field hockey and wrestling.
Olympic Gold and Silver Medal-winning rower Avalon Wasteneys and six-time Canadian snowboard racing champ Darren Gardner will be in attendance on February 12th. They will be joined by longtime Team Canada Field Hockey captain Kate Wright, national team wrestler Jasmit Phulka, and two stars from Canada’s national women’s 7s rugby program: 2024 Silver Medalist Krissy Scurfield and Kiki Idowu, who was recently identified through Canada’s official Olympic talent search, RBC Training Ground.
The RBC Olympians will be featured on the main stage, take photos with guests, and help raise funds for accessible community programming in Greater Vancouver.
“I am extremely honoured to be joining some incredible RBC Olympians to support the JCC,” says Gardner, who will be attending his fourth Sports Dinner. “The JCC does important work within the community and helps break down the barrier for sports, which I think is so crucial to develop important life skills.”
Darren recently hit the slopes with some Maccabi Games athletes for a unique snowboarding experience. As a seasoned professional athlete, he shared his wisdom on overcoming adversity, embracing both success and failure, and developing the mindset of an Olympian. It's all about mentorship—the kind that helps shape the next generation of athletes, teaching resilience and focus in the face of challenges.
All of the RBC Olympic athletes attending Sports Dinner demonstrate a commitment to success in sport and their desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Get to know the RBC Olympians
Avalon Wasteneys
A member of the Women’s 8 rowing team, Avalon Wasteneys made waves at the 2024 Olympics, earning a silver medal and solidifying her place among Canada’s elite athletes. Known for her determination and teamwork, Avalon represents the pinnacle of Canadian rowing on the global stage.
Darren Gardner
Squamish Olympian Darren Gardner is a six-time national champion and 2018 Olympian in snowboard racing. He always brought incredible energy, precision, and an adventurous spirit to the slopes while competing among the world’s best.
Katherine Wright
Kate Wright was the captain of the Canadian women's field hockey team for 10 years and is the most capped female field hockey player in Canadian history, representing her country over 220 times. Her journey exemplifies excellence in sport and teamwork, and propelled Canadian field hockey to new heights.
Krissy Scurfield
Olympic rugby star Krissy Scurfield captured silver at the 2024 Games as part of Team Canada’s dynamic Women’s Rugby 7s squad. Her resilience and agility make her a standout on the field, inspiring the next generation of athletes with her passion and skill.
Jasmit Phulka
A fierce competitor in the wrestling world, RBC Olympian Jasmit Phulka is a force to be reckoned with on the mat. His discipline and power reflect his commitment to elevating Canadian wrestling on the world stage.
Kiki Idowu
RBC Future Olympian Kiki Idowu is a rising star in rugby, embodying the promise of Canada’s athletic future. With her tenacity and drive, Kiki is a role model for young athletes and an exciting prospect for Canadian rugby.
