Jaleta is a federal government employee, the coach of the Jaleta Pacers and former coach of the University of Regina track and field and cross country teams. He volunteers with the Open Door Society; the Paul Dojack Youth Centre; the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and the CRA Income Tax Volunteer program. He had led fundraising initiatives for the Regina Early Learning Centre; Chili for Children; The University of Regina Jaleta Pacers’ Scholarship Fund and has helped fund the building of a school in Africa.
Jaleta arrived in Saskatchewan as a refugee in 1982, and has been a Canadian citizen since 1985. Born in Ethiopia, as a young man he was dedicated to education, and was on track to become an Olympic long-distance runner. However, civil war in the 1970s cut his dreams short. Jaleta was imprisoned and tortured. He spent time in a refugee camp before making it to Canada.
Jaleta is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for community service; an inductee of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and recipient of the CRA Award of Excellence for community service. In June 2014, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Regina. Deana Driver’s award-winning book Never Give Up: Ted Jaleta’s Inspiring Story is a motivational biography of his life, so far. He also shares his story and message of hope and perseverance through inspirational and motivational speeches for groups all over Saskatchewan and Canada – including government and corporate events, at schools and with non-profit and charitable groups.
“I have witnessed life from many vantage points, and I appreciate how wonderful Saskatchewan is,” said Jaleta. “I believe in Cam Broten’s message – it can’t just be about the province doing well, it has to be about people doing well. That’s so inspiring – and I am hopeful the next part of my life’s journey will be about building the best province and best future for people, for families and for our children and for their children as they grow.”
Jaleta is married and has two sons.