On February 14th, the Newcomer Child & Youth Connections (NCYC) team supported 28 newcomer children and youth, along with several parents, to attend Bell Starting Line – Team Canada FanFest at WinSport.
Hosted by Bell Canada in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee, this exciting event introduced youth new to Canada to the world of winter sport, with a special focus on curling. Participants had the opportunity to try curling firsthand in a fun, welcoming environment.
Beyond the activities, the experience was made even more memorable through interactions with Olympians, who shared their journeys and stories with youth. Families also gathered to join the national watch party and cheer on Team Canada as they competed at the Olympic Winter Games.
For many of the children and youth, this was their first introduction to winter sport in Canada. Participants were then eligible to register for free Learn to Curl programming at a local club, creating a pathway for continued participation.
NCYC coordinated registration, supported transportation, and provided on-site assistance and interpretation to ensure families could fully participate. NCYC appreciates the opportunity to partner in initiatives that increase access to recreation and help newcomer families connect with community programs.
