The Jewish Community Centre of Calgary is courting controversy and donor dollars by inviting Lance Armstrong to give the keynote speech to its annual sports dinner on May 20.

The disgraced American cyclist will share "stories from the saddle" in what is billed as "a provocative evening."

Lorne Paperny is one of the event's organizers, he says it's worthwhile to hear Lance's story.

"We understand that it's controversial and as he now comes out and starts to speak in public, that controversy will rise," Paperny said. "We understand that some people find it difficult to come and hear him speak."

Armstrong was stripped of his seven victories in cycling's most prestigious competition — the Tour de France — after he admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his cycling career.

Armstrong was given a lifetime ban from the sport after admitting to doping. However, the new head of the world cycling body has held out the possibility of reducing the ban if Armstrong provides information to other doping investigations.

This is the 26th annual edition of the JCC sports dinner and Paperny is confident this year's dinner will sell out.