The Association for New Canadians (ANC) held its sixth annual Multicultural Family Sports Day Friday at Wishingwell Park.
The day included face painting, henna, bouncy castles, and soccer matches.
“It’s a really great way to engage with the community and meet some of our newest members,” says Jon Price of the ANC who was in charge of organizing the day.
Upon arrival, families are greeted by some of the many smiling ANC volunteers and staff members and given T-shirts.
Donated running shoes, cleats, socks, and shin guards were available for children who came in sandals or other shoes not suitable for running. Families were able to take the shoes home at the end of the day, so the children can use them through the summer.
“It’s an opportunity for our clients to get out and meet other people in a new way,” says Sarah Thompson of ANC about the yearly event.
The goal of the ANC’s Multicultural Family Sports Day is to promote a healthy lifestyle and community engagement to new and longtime Canadians.
“We’ve got some really great partners,” says Price about Parks Canada and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary who came to participate in the day.
Nezar Khalif, a Syrian refugee who brought his children to Multicultural Family Sports Day, was happy to be in a place with nice people and a welcoming community, saying, “I think I like Canada more than Canadians.”
A mix of more than 200 ANC clientele and Canadian-born residents of St. John’s came out to play on the windy Friday morning.
