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The Newcomers Program

Creating a welcoming home for newcomers and offering enriching mountain and ice sports experiences, Calgary stands proudly as the third most diverse city in Canada. This program reflects the inclusive and dynamic environment of WinSport, where we foster a sense of belonging, embrace diversity, and create lasting connections within our vibrant community. In December 2023, WinSport welcomed 150 participants from the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society for the WinSport Newcomers Winter Fun Evening featuring a free night of skiing and snowboarding complete with a lift ticket, rentals, and instruction.

The IPlay Program

(Immigrant-focused Physical Literacy for Youth)

This initiative is designed for new immigrant and refugee youths who have recently settled in the Calgary region. The program offers newcomer youth the opportunity to engage in unique activities and games within a supportive group-based environment. The program, in partnership with Brock University and the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, examines the impact of physical literacy on newcomers to Canada.

The Adapted Sport Program

First launched in 2019, WinSport’s Adaped Sport Program introduces Calgarians with and without physical disabilities to adapted wheelchair sport opportunities. Participants learn a different wheelchair sport each week, provided by coaches from local and provincial organizations in each respective sport. WinSport provides the space and the wheelchairs. The experts provide the instruction.

For many family members, this program is the only opportunity for those without disabilities to learn and participate with the family member or friend that has the physical disability.

The program is part of the Calgary Adaptive Hub, powered by Jumpstart.

For Ling Zhou and her son William Harder, both able-bodied participants who participated in 2023 during a lacrosse exhibition, it was a great family opportunity.

“Today is my first time to do it with William. We played together and learned teamwork, to be a team player, to have patience, to take turns and to improve our skills,” said Zhou, whose son has special needs. She also works with special needs individuals. These adapted programs will be very beneficial for children with special needs to get active and to improve their cognitive life as well.”

Girls-Only Programs

Tackling the issue of girls’ drop-out rates in sports, our programs empower young girls through engaging activities such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and hockey camps. These initiatives go beyond sports, fostering not only physical skills, but confidence and empowerment. Notably, research indicates that 52% of women in executive leadership positions participated in university-level sports, underscoring the crucial role of WinSport’s Girls-Only Programs. By providing these Programs, we aim to nurture an environment where girls can not only participate and also thrive.

Indigenous Initiatives

Teaming up with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, WinSport proudly hosts complimentary winter events tailored for indigenous families. Given Calgary’s youthful Indigenous population, with a median age of 28, our initiative holds the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of Calgary’s Indigenous community. Through our steadfast commitment to providing year-round opportunities, we aim to foster positive experiences for indigenous youth and families. Plus, WinSport supported eight Indigenous youth with complimentary 2024-25 Winter Season Passes for their participation with the Mountain Shredders Club.

Impacting Lives in Meaningful Ways

Talan’s Journey

Triumph through adversity

Talan, a resilient 12-year-old with cerebral palsy affecting his right arm and leg, embarked on a transformative journey at WinSport. Battling the aftermath of bullying, Talan found solace and support in the warm embrace of the WinSport community. WinSport responded with unparalleled empathy and became commitment to Talan’s recovery journey.

Talan’s time with the WinSport team has been a source of joy, new friendships, and genuine support. His physical struggles were met with compassion and understanding, enabling an environment where self-belief and well-being take centre stage.

Cassandra and Sawyer

A family comes together

A mother of five children, Cassandra’s youngest was born with a rare neuromuscular disease in which he requires a tracheostomy for overnight ventilation and the use of a power wheelchair for sufficient mobility.

“My son has opened my world to so many things, including adapted sports,” she says.

Cassandra is passionate in promoting awareness for medically complex children while promoting inclusion. Cassandra became involved with Calgary Adapted Hub when her entire family became involved with the WinSport Adapted Multi-Sport program.