In the heart of Regina, the rhythmic bounce of basketballs echoes through a community gymnasium where laughter and shouts of encouragement blend into a symphony of inclusion. The city’s newest basketball camp specifically designed for refugee and immigrant youth isn’t just about perfecting jump shots or mastering defensive techniques—it’s creating a crucial safe space where young newcomers can find belonging through sport.
“We’ve seen remarkable transformation in these kids in just days,” explains Mohamad Alsaleh, a former Syrian refugee who now serves as one of the program’s volunteer coaches. “Many arrive shy and uncertain, carrying invisible burdens from their journeys to Canada. But basketball speaks a universal language that transcends those barriers.”
The free weekend program, launched through a partnership between Regina’s New Canadian Integration Society and local sports organizations, has already attracted over 60 participants ranging from 10 to 17 years old. These young athletes represent more than a dozen countries including Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and various nations across Africa.
What distinguishes this initiative is its holistic approach. While professional coaches focus on developing athletic skills, the program simultaneously incorporates subtle language learning opportunities and cultural integration components. Volunteer translators assist when needed, but the physical nature of basketball allows instruction to flow naturally even across language differences.
“The benefits extend far beyond the court,” notes Dr. Sarah Williams, a child psychologist specializing in refugee trauma. “Physical activity is one of the most effective tools for processing stress and anxiety. For youth who have experienced displacement, the predictable structure of sports provides stability while building confidence through measurable improvement.”
Parents watching from the sidelines share this sentiment. “My son barely spoke when we arrived eight months ago,” confides Fatima, mother of 14-year-old Omar. “Now he’s calling plays and making friends. This is the first place in Canada where I’ve seen him truly smile.”
The program has garnered attention from CO24 News for its innovative approach to community building, with local businesses stepping forward to provide equipment, transportation assistance, and post-practice meals.
Regina’s initiative comes amid growing recognition across Canada that sports programs offer cost-effective and impactful ways to support newcomer integration. Similar programs have shown promising results in reducing isolation, improving mental health outcomes, and fostering natural mentorship connections.
“What makes this work is that we focus on the similarities, not the differences,” explains head coach James Thornton. “These kids might come from vastly different backgrounds, but they’re all experiencing the universal challenges of adolescence plus the added complexity of building a new life in Canada.”
The camp’s popularity has already prompted organizers to expand to twice-weekly sessions and explore additional sports including soccer and volleyball. They’re also developing a framework that could be replicated in other Canadian cities facing similar integration challenges.
As the session ends and players huddle for a final cheer, the gym fills with a palpable sense of community. For these young athletes, basketball has become more than a game—it’s become a bridge to their new home. As we witness these transformation stories unfold across our communities, we must ask ourselves: what other creative approaches might help newcomers feel truly welcomed into the fabric of Canadian society?
