All Sport One Community Partners with Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth to Deliver an Inspiring Sports Day for Newcomer Kids

On July 15 and 16, Sport Calgary’s All Sport One Community program partnered with the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY) to deliver a two-day sports experience for newcomer children attending CBFY’s summer camps. The event created a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where youth could explore new sports, build friendships, and hear from inspiring Canadian athletes.

Campers had the opportunity to play Soccer, coached by East Side Memorial, and Lacrosse, led by Lacrossing Barriers. For many of the kids, these were first-time experiences with the sports, offering a chance to learn new skills, work together, and have fun in a supportive setting.

On the first day, the kids met Farkhunda Muhtaj, a Calgary Wild FC player, educator, and advocate for refugee and newcomer youth. She shared her powerful story about overcoming challenges through sport and encouraged the campers to stay active and open to trying new opportunities.

On the second day, excitement reached a new level when Olympic rower Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski visited the camp. Kasia, who won Gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Silver at the Paris 2024 Games, spoke about her journey from skiing to Olympic rowing and the importance of playing multiple sports while growing up. She even allowed the kids to hold her Olympic medals, a moment many of them will never forget.

This event exemplified what All Sport One Community and the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth stand for: empowering newcomer youth, fostering inclusion, and using sport as a tool for connection and confidence. Through fun, mentorship, and inspiration, the kids were left with lasting memories and a deeper sense of belonging in their new community.