Robert Steadward

Steadward was born on May 26, 1946, in Eston, Saskatchewan. His parents Danny and Irene encouraged their children to be active participants in the community. As a youth, he enjoyed ice hockey, baseball, track and field, and riding horses. He graduated from Luther College High School in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1964.

Steadward initially studied dentistry at the University of Alberta but abandoned that career path. After a few years of not attending school, he returned to the University of Alberta and earned a Bachelor of Physical Education in 1967. While working as an intern with disabled athletes, he chose to volunteer in Paralympic sport and work with its athletes. He completed a Master's degree in physical education science and then a Doctorate at the University of Oregon, during which he was a member of the Epsilon-Alpha chapter in the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Steadward served on several sub-committees within the IOC which included, the Olympic Truce Foundation, environment and reforms, and the co-ordinating group for the 2008 Summer Olympics. On behalf of the Canadian Olympic Committee and the CPC, he was a board member of the bid committee to host the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2010 Winter Paralympics in Vancouver. He also served as board member for the 2005 World Masters Games hosted in Edmonton.

Steadward has also worked as an agent for international athletes and country musicians. He was an agent for gold medal Olympians Jamie Salé and David Pelletier during their 2001 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships.

Steadward married Laura Thompson in 1967, whom he met while studying at the University of Alberta. The couple later had two daughters. He is a fan of the rodeo, and has served as president of the River City Roundup Festival, Miss Rodeo Canada, and Friends of Pro Rodeo. He resides in Edmonton.