RECAP – MOTION BALL 2011

Models walking around in lingerie and a platinum-selling Canadian artist performing to a crowd of a few hundred; if these weren’t components of your Friday night, then you missed Calgary’s Motion Ball Gala 2011.

The Bank Restaurant and Nightclub was the setting to the second annual event that raises awareness about the importance of the Special Olympics.

The intention to reach out to the younger generation worked as hundreds of Calgary’s young professionals were in attendance.

The gala boasted a silent auction, a live Calvin Klein Underwear fashion show and capping off the night, a performance by Canadian pop star Shawn Desman. But more importantly, the crowd was inspired by stories and learned first hand the impact the Specials Olympics has on the individuals involved.

After a few poignant speeches, lingerie models were released on to the runway.

Perhaps it seems a little odd to have a lingerie show at an event like Motion Ball but the organizers think it’s a perfect match.

“It’s a really good fit,” said Matt Cunning, committee organizer with motionball about the roll of Calvin Klein. “It gets people excited about coming to an event.”

And by the cheers when the first male models walked out, the room was buzzing with excitement.

“Events like this help bring in the next generation of supporters to the Special Olympics. We are excited to build on the experience in Toronto and bring that here,” Cunning said.

Motionball is the brainchild of brothers Mark, Paul and Sean Etherington from Toronto. Ten years ago they hoped to reach out to a wider and young audience with the Special Olympics.

Their hope was to encourage more people to donate, sponsor or even volunteer for the Special Olympics and hopefully be changed for the better, the way their lives did.

After ten Motion Balls’ in Toronto and the second one in Calgary, the word is starting to spread.

Words and Photography by Vanessa Conley