Michael Smigelski Memorial Basketball Tournament
On behalf of Neil, Anne Marie, and Rachel Smigelski, they would like to express their greatest appreciation to Oyen South Central High School for organizing and hosting this memorial basketball tournament for their son and brother. The games will start at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, with South Central High School taking on JC Charyk School out of Hanna.
Click for larger images, PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTIE CASKEY
Michael was born to Neil and Anne Marie Smigelski on March 11, 2003, and unexpectedly passed away on March 20, 2023, due to a brain injury.
Michael was a very passionate fan of basketball from watching his favourite team play the Los Angeles Lakers. He collected jerseys and basketball shoes (that he never wore and stayed in pristine condition). He enjoyed playing mini-basketball in elementary and junior high school. Unfortunately, the COVID outbreak was occurring during his high school years, and he was not permitted to play.
After Michael graduated high school in 2021, he travelled to Calgary to attend the pre-electrical program at SAIT. During his apprenticeship he worked under Aaron Thornton and Borea with the windmill crews. As Michael absorbed and took upon every learning opportunity in his future career, he was very grateful to his mentors and community for giving him the opportunity at such a young age to pursue his passion.
One memorable Christmas was when his older sister gifted him with 2 tickets an NBA exhibition game in Edmonton between the Toronto Raptors and Utah Jazz. He was so excited to have this opportunity to have this experience – especially in cold Alberta.
Michael may have had an unrealistic dream of professionally playing in the NBA himself; sadly, his short stature probably would have been a difficult obstacle. Therefore, he pursued his other passion of keeping his fellow Albertans warm during those cold winter nights and cool during the hot and dry summer days.
Michael's family is beyond grateful to Oyen South Central High School and the community for keeping their son and brother's memory alive. To express their recognition, they will be awarding one graduating South-Central High School Student that may have shared the same passions as Michael a $600.00 educational scholarship and $200 A&W gift card.