The return of “All Sport One Day” has Calgary families circling September 15th on their calendars, and I’ve got to say, after covering this event for the past three years, it’s refreshing to see something that delivers exactly what it promises – a genuine opportunity for kids to try sports they might otherwise never experience.
Walking through the Saddledome grounds last year, I watched a nine-year-old girl discover synchronized swimming for the first time. “I never thought I’d like this,” she told me, beaming despite being soaked head to toe. “Can we come back next year, mom?”
That’s precisely the magic behind this Calgary Recreation initiative that’s become something of an institution in our city.
This year’s event, scheduled at multiple facilities including Repsol Sport Centre and Vivo for Healthier Generations, will feature over 30 different sports, all available completely free of charge – a fact not lost on parents I’ve spoken with.
“With three kids in hockey, we simply can’t afford to experiment with other sports,” explained Jennifer Mahoney, a Beltline resident I interviewed last September. “This gives them a chance to try something without the financial commitment.”
Calgary Recreation’s data supports this enthusiasm. Last year’s event saw nearly 2,700 children participate, a 15% increase from the previous year according to Recreation Program Specialist Miranda Davidson.
“We’re seeing families return year after year, but we’re especially proud that 40% of participants are trying organized sports for the first time,” Davidson told me during our phone conversation yesterday.
The economic reality behind these numbers is significant. The average Calgary family spends between $1,200 and $3,000 annually per child for organized sports, according to a 2023 Sport Calgary survey. Equipment, registration fees, travel expenses – they all add up quickly, creating what Sport Calgary Executive Director Catriona Le May Doan has called “a significant barrier to participation.”
“Events like All Sport One Day are crucial for breaking down these barriers,” Le May Doan explained when I caught up with her at last month’s community sports forum. “Every child deserves the chance to find their passion, regardless of their family’s financial situation.”
The event isn’t just about financial accessibility, though. It’s also addressing the concerning trend of early sport specialization. Kids are increasingly focusing on a single sport year-round, often driven by parental hopes for scholarships or professional careers.
Dr. Mark Edwards, a sports medicine specialist at the University of Calgary whom I’ve consulted for several articles on youth athletics, sees this as problematic.
“The research is clear – early specialization increases injury rates and burnout while actually decreasing the likelihood of elite achievement,” Edwards emphasized. “Multi-sport exploration, especially before age 12, produces better outcomes for both elite development and lifelong participation.”
Indeed, Sport Canada reports that children who sample multiple sports are more likely to remain physically active throughout their lives – a finding that resonates deeply in our city where adult obesity rates have climbed to 26.8%, according to Alberta Health Services‘ most recent community health profile.
For some Calgary neighborhoods, the impact goes even deeper. In communities like Forest Lawn and Dover, where median household incomes fall significantly below the city average, recreational opportunities can be scarce.
“This event literally brings sports to communities where access is limited,” explained City Councillor Raj Dhaliwal, who represents many of these northeastern neighborhoods. “We provide transportation from community centers, removing yet another barrier.”
The logistics behind organizing this massive event are impressive. Over 200 volunteer coaches from local sports organizations donate their time, equipment is provided on-site, and pre-registration ensures appropriate staffing levels.
Calgary father James Chen, whose children have participated for three consecutive years, summarized the impact perfectly during our conversation at Shouldice Athletic Park last September: “My daughter discovered rugby here two years ago. Now she’s playing competitively and has made an entirely new circle of friends. None of that would have happened without this event.”
For Calgary families looking to participate this year, registration opens August 25th through the City of Calgary’s recreation portal. Based on past years, sessions fill quickly, particularly for popular activities like climbing, martial arts, and water sports.
As our city continues to navigate economic challenges, programs providing equal access to recreational opportunities become increasingly vital. They represent our community values in action – ensuring all children, regardless of postal code or family income, can experience the joy of sport.
The most telling evidence of All Sport One Day’s success isn’t found in participation statistics or glowing testimonials. It’s in the quiet moments I’ve witnessed while covering this event – like the shy child finding confidence after successfully completing a karate move, or the parent-child high-five following a first-ever basketball basket.
These are the moments that remind us why community initiatives matter, and why Calgary continues to invest in them even during challenging economic times.
After all, in a city defined by both economic volatility and remarkable community spirit, programs that level the playing field for our youngest citizens represent the very best of who we are.
