Blogs
Finding Joy and Safety in Sport
May, 2026
One of the most meaningful parts of my journey as a PlaySafe Ambassador so far has been the community outreach component of the role. This part of the experience has shown me the impact that can come from building community relationships and having genuine conversations with the people and businesses in the community. It has reminded me that leadership is not only about what you say in front of a room or group, but also how you represent your values through everyday actions and connections.
Through this outreach, I had the opportunity to connect with four businesses within the Whistler community: Pasta Lupino, Nesters Market, Functional Pie, and Back in Action Physiotherapy. Each connection was valuable in its own way, but together they showed me how strong communities are built through support, trust, and shared investment in people. These businesses are all part of the wider environment that helps athletes and community members succeed, whether that support comes through food, recovery, encouragement, or simply believing in the importance of sport and leadership initiatives.
One connection that stood out to me in a particularly personal way was Nesters Market. That outreach felt like a full circle moment because it’s the place where I had my first ever job. Reconnecting with Nesters in a new capacity, now representing something bigger than myself, made me reflect on how much I have grown. At one point, I was just starting out there and learning basic responsibility and work ethic. Now, I am reaching out as a university athlete and ambassador, trying to create a positive impact through sport and community engagement. That experience reminded me that growth often happens gradually, and sometimes you only fully recognize it when life brings you back to where you started.
What made this outreach meaningful was that it was rooted in appreciation and shared values. It was not just about asking for support. It was about building connections with businesses that contribute to the health and strength of the community in different ways. In doing that, I saw how the principles behind PlaySafe extend beyond sport itself. Respect, inclusion, support, and care are not limited to teams or training environments. They are community values, and they matter in every interaction.
This experience also taught me that leadership can be quiet but still impactful. Outreach requires professionalism, initiative, and the confidence to represent both yourself and the program well. It challenged me to communicate clearly, be thoughtful in how I approached others, and understand that strong relationships are built through sincerity. Even small conversations can leave a lasting impression when they are genuine.
Most of all, this process showed me that community engagement is a two-way relationship. As ambassadors, we aim to make a positive impact, but we also learn from the people and organizations that support us. I came away from this experience feeling grateful for the community around me and more aware of the responsibility that comes with being in a leadership role. It has reinforced my belief that sport is strongest when it is connected to something larger than competition. When athletes, local businesses, and community partners support one another, the result is a healthier, more positive environment for everyone. I am proud of the connections I have made so far, and this outreach experience has made me even more excited for the rest of my journey as a CSI Pacific PlaySafe Athlete Ambassador.
Ambassador Socials
Check out my social posts for my April feature month!
- My Introduction (April 14)
- Brown Cup Recap (April 20)
- Being a PlaySafe Ambassador (April 24)
- RBC Training Ground Experience (May 13)
If you’re interested in following my journey, you can find me here!