Refugee kids shine on Calgary soccer pitch thanks to community association | 24CA News
It’s been a 12 months since Oksana Chapenko determined to maneuver together with her mom, her husband and three children to flee the conflict in Ukraine.
Two of the couple’s pals died throughout a Russian missile strike that killed not less than 20 individuals of their house city of Kremenchuk final 12 months.
“We communicate with my sister because she is still in Ukraine — and a lot of our friends — and it’s hard,” Chapenko mentioned.
The children needed to shortly study English and adapt to being torn aside from the college, sports activities groups and pals they’d again house. But being a part of a sports activities staff helps.
While the toddler is just a little younger for being on the pitch, Chapenko’s two boys are actually a part of the Lakeview Community Association soccer staff.
“They were very excited because it’s in the community and a lot of guys they know from school. For us adults, it’s an opportunity to communicate as parents in a nice situation. The boys enjoy playing, because it’s friendly soccer,” Chapenko mentioned.
“They build a closer relationship with other boys, so I think it’s a really great opportunity.”
The Lakeview Community Association dipped into its reserve fund to cowl the prices of refugees who wish to play “the beautiful game.” It’s a part of their “no one left behind” coverage that began in response to the variety of Syrian refugees who are actually calling Calgary house.
Tammy Brigidear has been serving to round 40 households get settled in Calgary because the conflict in Ukraine began. She says sports activities helps construct a way of belonging.
“It was really to help them feel welcome to Canada and to our community, and having the opportunity to do everything that their friends and classmates are doing,” Brigidear mentioned.
“From a parents perspective, they’ve been able to see their kids laugh and play… It gives them peace of mind, and it’s definitely helping both parents and kids settle,” Brigidear mentioned.
Organizers mentioned it is a manner for individuals who could not be capable to host a household of their house to really feel like they’re serving to newcomers.
“It’s not just about no one left behind. It’s about the community spirit that lifts everybody — a rising tide lifts all boats,” mentioned Jon Himmens, president of the Lakeview Community Association. “It’s taken everybody to come together to make this possible.”
The plan is to develop this system to make it everlasting, by asking mother and father to chip in after they register their gamers.
There are actually ten recently-arrived Ukrainian kids on the native soccer staff in Lakeview.
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