Don Wittman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Wittman
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Wittman broadcasting the 2002 Winter Olympics
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| Born |
Donald Rae Wittman
October 9, 1936 Herbert, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Died | January 19, 2008 (aged 71) |
| Other names | Witt |
| Occupation | CBC sportscaster |
Donald Rae Wittman (born October 9, 1936 – died January 19, 2008) was a famous Canadian sportscaster. He was known for his exciting play-by-play calls and his work covering many different sports.
Contents
Early Life and Start in Broadcasting
Don Wittman was born in Herbert, Saskatchewan. He went to the University of Saskatchewan. In 1955, he started his career in broadcasting. He worked as a news reporter for CFQC radio in Saskatoon.
A Career in Sports Reporting
Wittman began working with CBC Sports on January 1, 1961. He joined CBWT's evening news program 24Hours in 1970. There, he became a sports anchor. He also reported on games for the Winnipeg Jets on TV and radio.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Wittman hosted a show called Western Express. This show was about lottery ticket drawings. He would interview people from different towns across Western Canada.
Reporting from the Olympics
At the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, a serious event happened. A group of terrorists took members of the Israeli Olympic team hostage. Don Wittman and another reporter, Bob Moir, bravely went into the Olympic Village. They pretended to be medical staff from the Canadian Olympic team.
They got very close to the building where the hostages were. They could see the hostages and the terrorists. Wittman and Moir sent live reports back to the CBC. They stayed there all day, sharing what they saw.
Later, Bob Moir said they were "young and stupid" for doing it. But he added that they always went after the story.
Covering Many Sports
As a sportscaster, Wittman covered many different sports. These included track and field, baseball, basketball, and golf. He was especially well-known for his work on the CBC's CFL (Canadian Football League) coverage. He also worked on Hockey Night in Canada and for big curling tournaments.
Wittman reported on many famous sports moments. He was there when Donovan Bailey set a new world record in the 100-meter sprint at the 1996 Summer Olympics. He also covered the famous fight between Canada and the Soviet Union at the 1987 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Later Life and Legacy
Don Wittman passed away on January 19, 2008, from cancer. He was 71 years old. He left behind his wife, Judy, and his three children, Karen, Kristen, and David.
Awards and Recognition
Wittman won two ACTRA awards for his work. In 2002, Sports Media Canada named him Broadcaster of the Year. He was also inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 2003. In January 2008, he joined the CBC Sports Hall of Fame. He is an "Honoured Member" of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. In 1990, he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Images for kids
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The building where the Israeli Olympic team was held hostage in Munich.
