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February 12th, 2025
Family Day at the RA - Health, Happiness and a Sense of Community For over 80 years, the RA Centre has been a place for families to connect through their love of sport. Guests of the RA have many memories of coming to the RA as children and they continue that tradition today with their own families. Being able to connect with the community and create a welcoming environment for athletes is, and will always be, our motivation. Every season, the RA introduces new programming for kids – including Table Tennis, Squash, Badminton, Basketball and our newest MultiSport program, Junior Athletes. Many of our Junior Athletes coaches have been visiting the RA Centre with their families since they were quite young. Noah Bélanger, Head of Camps & Children's Programs, (including Junior Athletes,) has been coming to the RA since he was the same age as some of his campers. The RA holds great significance to his family – his parents are regular curlers at the Centre, and his brother is an avid volleyball player. He grew up playing a variety of sports – Hockey and Football being his all-time favourites. Noah is confident that being raised in an environment with sports has had a foundational impact on his life, and wishes the same experience upon others. Through his enjoyment of working with kids and his passion for sports as a whole, Bélanger was inspired to create the Junior Athletes program. “Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their love for sport,” says Noah. "But not everybody gets that opportunity.” Bélanger and his team are motivated to make the RA Centre the go-to spot for kids programs. Each day, they strive to break down barriers and refine an inclusive environment where Junior Athletes can confidently learn and grow. The RA Centre’s children’s programs provide a low ratio environment, encouraging every child to develop meaningful experiences with their coaches, and with each other. “Kids are humans just like us,” says Noah. “We thrive when we’re given respect and personal connection.” Coach Jonah, a Junior Athletes Coach-, has had numerous positive experiences instructing the program. “One of my favourite parts about being a coach is the sense of community,” says Jonah. “I’m passionate about teaching sports and shaping kids to be the best versions of themselves. I love being able to see the Junior Athletes make new friends and develop a sense of belonging.” One parent recently came forward to share a positive experience with RA Camps and the Junior Athletes team. “My daughter is participating in 6 to 8 year old basketball,” says the parent. “She experiences anxiety and is often very hesitant to do things, even though she wants to so badly.” “The Junior Athletes Team has been phenomenal. Patient, kind, gentle. Meeting her each week where she's at. Encouraging her participation – but not making her feel forced. Welcoming her when she feels like joining. Cheering her on, accommodating her to make her more comfortable.” Family Day at the RA will strive to create experiences like these – to bring families together through their love of sport. You are welcome to come and play no matter who you are, or what level of experience you may have! Next Monday, February 17th from 1-3PM in the West Gym, join us for an inclusive, high-energy environment facilitated by our Junior Athletes team. Play Basketball, Pickleball and Table Tennis – no registration required! (Please bring indoor shoes and a water bottle. Families with equipment are encouraged to bring what they can.) Discover Family Day at the RA: racentre.com/family-day-at-the-ra Learn more about our camps and children’s programs: racentre.com/children |
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