Age: 35
Occupation: Vice-Chairman and President, Calgary Surge Professional Basketball Club
In August 2022, while scrolling through Twitter (now X), Jason Ribeiro noticed that the Guelph Nighthawks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) were relocating to Calgary, but still looking for an owner. Ribeiro saw that as the perfect opportunity “to build on the broader need in the community for youth on the edges.”
He approached Usman Tahir Jutt (Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2019) to join him in the venture, and they bought and rebranded the team as the Calgary Surge, with the goal of creating more than just sporting entertainment.
“My goal is creating communities for kids to experience together,” says Ribeiro, who found it difficult finding his place while growing up just outside of Toronto. “I’ve been that kid in the room feeling alone,” he says.
To help kids feel included, Ribeiro introduced Surge ASSIST with Kids Up Front Calgary, which has helped more than 3,500 underprivileged youth attend games for free. Through Surge ASSIST, Ribeiro and Surge employees, along with donors, have contributed more than $300,000 to charitable causes.
And the city has wholeheartedly embraced the team: on May 21, 2024, the Surge broke the CEBL league attendance record with 12,327 spectators at the Scotiabank Saddledome. In just two years, the Surge has grown from two employees to 20 full-time and 20 part-time, plus 121 independent contractors.
Ribeiro, who has four degrees and a teaching background, became devoted to youth and sports while working with children with special needs at McMaster University. He continues his community work as a board director for the Alberta Motor Association, vice-chair for Sport Calgary and a grants committee member with EducationMatters. But Ribeiro believes the Calgary Surge is where he can nurture his belief in belonging to its full potential. “I’m so proud of the amazing team that’s been able to make that happen,” he says. “We’ve just scratched the surface.”
Thank yous
“The broad shoulders I stand on in the community, the passionate team I serve with at the Surge, and the beautiful wife and children I get to come home to, ti amo Natalie, Matteo and Lorenzo.
Top 40 Under 40 2024
Eluvier Acosta & Juan Castillo