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HOSTING A HISTORIC ATHLETIC EVENT
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ACKNOWLEDGING THE PAST THAT ENSURED OUR FUTURE
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Resettlement Through Recreation
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 such as the Government of Alberta and Alberta Recreation and Parks Association, 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.
EAS continues to provide recreational programming and help bridge community partnerships. Through funding from the Government of Alberta and Alberta Recreation and Parks Association, we've provided community engagement on wheels custom equipment wagons for more newcomer serving organizations, LEARN (Lifelong Education and Resource Network) and BCIS (Brooks & Country Immigration Services). We hosted another Outdoor Family Fun Day in March 2023, embracing winter and learning how to stay active during the cold winter months. In Spring 2023, we hosted recreation nights for youth ages 7 - 17. Multi-sport programming in Brooks is ongoing and we hope to continue this work throughout 2023 and into 2024.
Project Partners
This work would not be possible without the partnership of the following organizations:
