All Sport One City kicks off 10-day showcase of Calgary’s sports organizations

Fencer Kelleigh Ryan showcased her sport as part of All Sport One City, a 10-day event showcasing sports organizations and venues across the city (Photo: X@NLLRoughnecks)

Some of the families who came out to All Sport One City Saturday -- a showcase of Calgary’s sports organizations and venues -- received a pitch from an Olympian – and Kelleigh Ryan was eager to showcase her sport.

Ryan, who joined Canada’s national fencing team in 2008 and has been part of it ever since, was on hand to celebrate and demonstrate the sport of fencing.

Sponsored by Sport Calgary, All Sport One City is a partnership with more than 30 community sport organizations and over 40 multi-sport venues looking to get Calgarians off the couch and into motion.

“Sport Calgary is committed to breaking down barriers to provide all Calgarians the opportunity to live healthier and more active lives through sport and play,” said Catriona Le May Doan, president and chief executive officer of Sport Calgary, in a media release.

“It’s never too late to enjoy the power of sport and play. Our goal through All Sport One City is to connect as many families and Calgarians over the age of 18 with sport organizations in our city’s facilities to ultimately help them discover a new sporting passion.”

The event features 25 different types of fitness/workout classes, rugby, disc golf, ultimate frisbee, cricket, fencing, tai chi, pickleball, akido – and fencing.

“It’s really good for us because fencing is one of those sports that you need to try to understand and to see if you really like it,” said Ryan. “It’s a great opportunity for us to get people in the gym and holding a sword.”

Amanda Hafeli-Thompson brought out her two children Merrick and Casey out to try fencing because it’s a little less popular than other sports.

“They do a lot of sports already,” she said. “They do soccer, swimming, gymnastics, but they have never tried something like this, and I think it was a good opportunity for them.”

“So many things are not only expensive but hard to get into, like when we sign up for swimming lessons through the city.

“They’re great,” Hafeli-Thompson added. “Don’t get me wrong -- but you have to get up at 5 a.m. and get in a line. It’s a whole big thing. It’s affordable, sure, but it’s also not accessible, because they fill up so fast.

“We thought we’d try something we never tried before, and then, yeah, maybe (there’s) less competition to get into the lessons and stuff too.”

There were nine people at Saturday’s session, and more will hopefully show up over the next 10 days. Fencing got a bump last summer when a Calgarian Eleanor Harvey won a bronze medal – and Ryan hopes a whole new generation of Calgary athletes will give the sport a try.

“Fencing is a niche sport, and people don’t really know about it. It’s so hard to watch on TV and understand what’s going on because it’s so fast. But I don’t know. I think it’s a really good sport that involves changing direction, speed, precision, technique, strategy, and for me, just getting people exposed to the sport is really important, because no one really watches it.

“It’s not on TV.”

All sessions are led by certified instructors from community-based sport organizations focused on ensuring a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all skill levels and backgrounds.

And for an Olympic champ like Le May Doan, the appeal of sports extends well beyond the 10 days of glory that entails.

It’s a lifetime love affair.

“I personally experienced the power sport can have, as a young child and now as a mother to two kids. Sport and physical activities are critical for mental health, boosting confidence, and building self-esteem,” added Le May Doan. “All Sport One City provides a free opportunity to try something new alone, or with friends, in an effort to build healthier communities.”

For more information or to sign up for family sessions, go here.

With files from CTV’s Tyler Barrow