What Is Bell Starting Line?
Bell Starting Line is a national program created by Bell and Team Canada to help newcomer youth in Canada discover the power of sport—by making it more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming.
Sport plays a vital role in building confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging. For many young people new to Canada, however, barriers like cost, awareness, and access can make it difficult to participate. Bell Starting Line is designed to remove those barriers and open the door to meaningful sport experiences.
Through a unique two-part approach, the program introduces youth to sport through fun, beginner-friendly events led by local clubs and Team Canada Olympians, while also helping them stay involved by connecting them with ongoing, supported programming in their communities.
At its core, Bell Starting Line is about more than just sport, it’s about helping young people build friendships, develop lifelong skills, and feel at home in their communities. With a commitment to long-term impact, the program continues to grow across Canada, creating more opportunities for newcomer youth to step up to the starting line and thrive
The program has plans to grow and evolve over the years to incorporate more Canadian cities, and more NSO partners to make the biggest possible impact.
Upcoming Events
Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Time: TBD
Location: Richmond Olympic Oval, Richmond, B.C.
Sports: Golf & Basketball
Details: TBD
Registration: TBD
Who will be there: Canadian Olympians, Golf Canada and Canada Basketball.
2026 National Sport Organization Collaborators
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can attend? Children ages 8 to 14 years old
- Is it free? Yes this is a free program.
- Do I need experience? No sporting experience necessary.
- What should participants bring? Comfortable clothing, running shoes and water bottle.
- How do I register? TBD
Who can attend?
Children ages 8 to 14 years old.
Is it free?
Yes this is a free program.
Do I need experience?
No sporting experience necessary.
What should participants bring?
Comfortable clothing, running shoes and water bottle.
Past Events
Track & Field – Toronto, October 4, 2025
In collaboration with Athletics Canada, the NSO for track and field, Bell Starting Line hosted a try-athletics event at the Toronto Track and Field Centre. Team Canada Olympians Andre De Grasse, Jacqueline Madogo, and Jazz Shukla were on hand to engage newcomer youth in track and field games and drills. Bell Starting Line provided subsidized access for targeted newcomers to the track and field clubs who participated in the Toronto event.
Speed Skating – Montreal, December 13, 2025
In collaboration with Speed Skating Canada, the NSO for both long track and short track speed skating, Bell Starting Line hosted a try-speed skating event at the Arena Maurice Richard. Montreal-area speed skating clubs, as well as Team Canada Olympians Charles Hamelin, William Dandjinou, Alyson Charles and Kaylna Roberge, were on ice to provide a first exposure to skating in a fun, inclusive environment.
Curling – Calgary, February 14, 2026
In collaboration with Curling Canada, Bell Starting Line hosted a learn to curl event during Team Canada FanFest in Calgary, AB at the MacPhail Centre. Team Canada Olympians John Morris and Cheryl Bernard were on ice to provide a first exposure to curling to newcomers. The program was followed by a 6 week Learn to Curl program for those participants who registered as a next step.
Track & Field – Ottawa, June 20, 2026
The Bell Starting Line Track & Field event in Ottawa was a high-energy, beginner-friendly experience designed to introduce newcomer youth to athletics in a welcoming environment. Hosted at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility on Saturday, June 20, 2026, the event brought together participants from newcomer organizations to take part in a fun Mini Pentathlon, offering a hands-on introduction to multiple track and field disciplines. Following the event, participants were provided with opportunities to continue their sport journey through subsidized summer camps with the Ottawa Lions, helping to support ongoing participation and development.
Testimonials
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