Resettlement through Recreation

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Resettlement Through Recreation started in response to the influx of Afghan families to Canada during the pandemic. In those early discussions with local resettlement agencies, we found there was a need for recreational opportunities for newcomers from all regions of the world. Sport and recreation are powerful avenues to connect people and build communities; Ever Active Schools (EAS) saw the chance to provide recreational programs to help newcomer youth and families feel welcome in their new homes.

EAS partnered with Jumpstart, Saamis Immigration Services of Medicine Hat, as well as the Brooks Francophone Association and the Brooks and County Immigration Services with 3 goals in mind;

Train staff,
Develop fundamental movement skills in youth, and
Invite newcomer parents to experience sport and recreation with their children, many for the first time.

In our first year of the Resettlement Through Recreation initiative, EAS and their partners have:

Hosted an outdoor winter fun day
Lead 4 evening recreational sessions
Facilitated recreational sessions during school PD days
Coached evening soccer nights
Lead professional development for staff
Guided the trained staff through various games with youth
Lead programming during summer camps
Hosted a family recreational day
Hosted a games room for special event
Provided take-home equipment and lesson plans for families

As the program has grown, other funders have helped us to continue this important work; Government of Alberta, Alberta Recreation and Parks Association, RBC Launch and Catapult. Along with additional community partners including the City of Medicine Hat and the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program, have also joined EAS to provide continued programming and services to newcomers.

We are happy to continue this work into 2025. EAS continues to provide recreational programming and help bridge community partnerships. Events and activities for 2025 include our Outdoor Day, renamed to Newcomers in Nature, a Learn to Skate program, Youth Rec Nights and other fun, engaging opportunities for newcomers in our community.