All Sport One Day, hosted by Sport Calgary in partnership with The City of Calgary, takes place on Saturday, June 21. This free event allows children aged six to 17 to try a variety of sports at 10 locations across Calgary. With support from local sport organizations, volunteers and City staff, it gives families a chance to learn about the sport programs and facilities available in their neighbourhoods.
“This is about removing barriers,” said Catriona Le May Doan, CEO of Sport Calgary. “Every child deserves the chance to play, to be active, and to find something that makes them feel confident and excited. All Sport One Day creates that space.”
The event offers over 240 sessions across more than 50 sports. Children can choose from options such as basketball, fencing, soccer, curling and martial arts. Sessions are led by trained instructors and are designed for all levels of experience. In addition, Sport Calgary provide adaptable sport options, helping for safe and inclusive environments for children to try something new. Many sites also offer drop-in activities.
“It’s incredible to see the pure joy on kids’ faces when they try something new and realize they’re good at it or that it just makes them happy,” Catriona added. “That spark, that moment of discovery, is what this event is all about.”
All Sport One Day is especially valuable for families who may not have had access to organized sport. The program provides a no-cost, low-pressure way to explore new sports without needing to purchase equipment or commit to a full season. For families new to Calgary or new to Canadian sport systems, it is also a chance to connect with instructors, facilities and community programs.
“This is community-building through sport,” said Catriona. “It’s about creating opportunities, yes, but also about belonging. When a child finds their place on a court, on a field, on a mat, that sense of inclusion carries far beyond a single day.”
The City of Calgary supports All Sport One Day through facility access, promotion and alignment with its Sport for Life Policy, which focuses on building inclusive, accessible and high-quality sport opportunities for all Calgarians. The June event also takes place on Neighbour Day, which celebrates community connections and local involvement across the city.
At locations such as Glenmore Athletic Park, Citadel Community Association, the Genesis Centre, Trico Centre and VIVO, families will be welcomed by staff and volunteers distributing t-shirts and helping children get to their sessions. Registration opens on Tuesday, June 10 at 6:00 p.m. on sportcalgary.ca.
Supporting sustainability through sport
New to this year’s event is the Green Sports Equipment Drive, part of The City’s broader Green Sports Initiative. Families are encouraged to bring gently used sports equipment to two participating sites, VIVO and Seven Chiefs Sportsplex where there will be collection bins. Donated equipment will be redistributed at no cost to children and youth who may not otherwise have access.
“This initiative adds another layer of meaning,” Catriona explained. “We’re not only getting kids into sport, we’re making sport more sustainable. When families donate equipment, they’re helping other kids play and they’re helping reduce waste. It’s a win-win.”
The Green Sports Equipment Drive is led by the Partnerships business unit in collaboration with Community Strategies Community Clean-ups, Waste & Recycling Services, Recreation & Social Programs, and external partners including Sport Calgary and the KidSport Calgary Flames Sports Bank (who support thousands of kids annually). It supports both environmental goals and equitable access to sport.
The City of Calgary will officially recognize Green Sports Day on October 6, 2025. This national initiative encourages sustainable practices in sport, such as reducing equipment waste, promoting reuse, and supporting education on climate-friendly operations within the sport sector.
Donations collected through the Green Sports Drive will be cleaned, sorted, and distributed by the Calgary Flames Sports Bank to help children and families across Calgary. Please visit their website for a list of equipment needed and safety guidelines for donations.
A second chance in August
Children who are unable to attend the June event will have another chance to participate when All Sport One Day returns on Saturday, August 16.
“All Sport One Day reminds us what’s possible when a community rallies behind its young people,” said Catriona. “We’re helping kids see that sport can be for them, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
To learn more or register your kids, please visit All Sport One Day.
