Written by: Farzana Syeda Farah, Canadian SportWORKS Officer, S4N St. John’s
I arrived in Canada as an international student with a dream—one shaped not only by ambition, but by the limitations that I experienced growing up. Last year, I completed my MS degree from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. This year, I proudly stepped into my role as a SportWORKS Officer on behalf of Commonwealth Sport Canada for the Sport for Newcomers St. John’s (S4N St. John’s) project. S4N St. John’s is currently taking place in partnership with AMAL Unite and Empower over the next 4 months, the project is focused on providing barrier-free sport, physical activity and wellness opportunities for newcomers for the purpose of social connection within their new community.
But this journey began long before Canada.
Growing Up with Barriers
I come from Bangladesh, where, as a young girl, stepping outside to play was not something I was encouraged—or even allowed—to do. My parents, like many others, were concerned about safety and barriers shaped by societal expectations. Sports fields, playgrounds, and outdoor adventures felt distant, almost unreachable for most of the girls like me. Yet the desire never left me. I always wanted to explore. To play. To move freely. To connect with people and cultures beyond my own. That quiet dream stayed with me. Since I always wanted to travel the world and explore new opportunities, I pursued my Bachelor degree from the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka, one of Bangladesh’s leading public universities. After my degree completion, I began working as a lecturer at a private university. While this was a meaningful step, I again faced barriers, limited opportunities for growth, unequal treatment, and bureaucratic obstacles that made career progression difficult as a woman. Later I came to a decision, that pursuing higher education in North America might help me to have equal opportunities, respect, and growth. With that hope, I moved to Canada on a graduate research fellowship at the University of Alberta.
Discovering a New World
Canada felt different from the moment I arrived. I experienced a sense of acceptance and inclusion that deeply moved me. People welcomed diversity—not just in words, but in action. It did not matter of having different background, race, or gender, Canada gave me a safe place to breath, explore, and play. And to make this happen, the organizations like Commonwealth Sport Canada is playing an important role since 1994. Their mission—to create inclusive, accessible sport experiences for newcomers—resonated strongly with me. I felt strongly connected to their vision that contributes toward wellness, belonging, and equality through various sports and recreational activities for the Newcomers.
A Purpose Through Sport
Through my placement with Amal Unite & Empower, I found alignment between my story and my work. Like Commonwealth Sport Canada, Amal is committed to build inclusive communities through sport and recreation. Currently, AMAL Unite and Empower is running three interconnected streams, Employment for the newcomers, Industry connection for better opportunities, and Bloom, a wellness program that helps newcomers to have long term workforce stability. After my joining, I found as if all the dots are connecting one by one now, and that made me realize I may not be able to relive my own childhood—but I can help shape someone else’s. Especially for girls. Especially for newcomers. I want them to feel seen. Valued. Empowered. Free to play.
A Powerful Beginning
Even before officially starting my role in March, I had the opportunity to attend a pre-departure training in Ottawa at the end of February. There, I met incredible individuals who are now part of my journey:
✅My host supervisor, Hilary Bellows from AMAL Unite and Empower
✅ My counterpart, Becky Kolberg, SportWORKS Officer in Ottawa
✅ Her supervisor, Gabrielle Lallier from YMCA
✅ Our manager, Ryan Pelley from Commonwealth Sport Canada
Together, we shared ideas, built connections, and brainstormed ways to create meaningful sport experiences for newcomers in St. John’s and Ottawa. After finishing our training, we all went to enjoy an NHL game in Ottawa, and that was my first-ever ice hockey arena experience. For someone who never had access to sports growing up, sitting in that arena felt surreal. It was more than just a game—it was a symbol of everything I had missed, and everything I now have the chance to create for others. I even received my first game experience certificate—a small but deeply meaningful milestone.
Building Connections in St. John’s
Since starting my placement, my days have been filled with learning and growth. I’ve been developing new skills—working with digital tools, understanding program delivery, and strengthening my ability to connect with communities. I’ve also started building networks across St. John’s:
- Local sports organizations
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) student associations
- Community and recreational facilities
Each connection brings new possibilities to create inclusive, engaging opportunities for newcomers. This is just the beginning. My journey—from a girl who wasn’t allowed to play outside, to someone now creating space for others to play, connect, and belong—feels incredible and powerful. Now I know, sport is more than just a game.
It is confidence. 💪✨
It is community. 🤝♻️🌎
It is belonging. 💫
And today, I am proud to be a part of that change.
– Farzana