Calgarians embraced the Olympic spirit this weekend at the Team Canada FanFest hosted at WinSport, where fans had the unique opportunity to meet Olympic athletes, cheer on Team Canada at the Games, and try a variety of sports firsthand. The event, organized by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), brought the free fan festival to Calgary on February 14 and 15, as part of a nationwide tour across four cities.
Connecting Communities Through Sports
Andrew Baker, the COC’s chief external affairs officer, expressed enthusiasm for the turnout, noting that last weekend’s event in Toronto attracted over 10,000 people, with similar numbers expected in Calgary. “Already, I’m loving what I’ve seen,” Baker said. “The ability for people to watch a sport on TV and then go try it, and get connected into local clubs that are here delivering the sport, I think is just the best part.” The festival aims to inspire the next generation of Canadian athletes by providing hands-on experiences in sports such as speed skating, figure skating, hockey, ski jumping, and biathlon.
Inspiring the Next Generation
More than 20 Olympians attended the festival over the weekend, engaging with attendees and offering demonstrations. Baker highlighted the impact of these interactions, stating, “We already see a ton of kids out on the ice. I was watching the curling demos happening, and you had four Olympians … teaching kids how to curl and how to sweep. It’s amazing to see. We’re trying to inspire the next generation of Canadian athletes.” Former Olympic curler Cheryl Bernard was among the athletes leading classes, showcasing the event’s commitment to community engagement.
A Celebration of Olympic Heritage
The COC first launched the Team Canada FanFest during the 2024 Paris Olympics, which Baker described as a great success. “It’s really a great opportunity for us to connect with Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” he said. “It’s so amazing just to be with other Canadians cheering on the games, and I’m hoping that the crowds here will get to see Canada’s first gold medal this weekend.” He added that many athletes hail from Calgary, making the event particularly special for the local community.
Memorable Moments with Champions
Two-time Olympic gold medallist Catriona Le May Doan spent Saturday morning meeting fans and watching the Games with festival-goers. “(It’s) just fun to be able to share the games with people of this country and people in this community, to be able to tell them stories and meet different athletes from different sports,” she said. Coincidentally, February 14 marked the anniversary of both her gold medal wins in 1998 and 2002. “It’s pretty special to be able to share the medals with people on the anniversary of winning,” she remarked, adding a personal touch to the festivities.
The FanFest also provided a communal space for participants to cheer on Team Canada together, fostering a sense of national pride and unity. With activities designed for all ages, the event highlighted the importance of sports in bringing communities together and promoting healthy lifestyles. As the COC continues its tour, the success in Calgary underscores the enduring appeal of the Olympic Games and the power of athletic inspiration.
