Calgary's Weekend of Festivities Captured Through the Lens
This past weekend in Calgary was filled with vibrant community events that brought residents together through sports, cultural celebrations, and winter activities. From February 13 to 15, 2026, photographers captured the energy and diversity of multiple gatherings happening across the city.
The GOOD Games Winter Festival Launch
On Friday, February 13, 2026, The GOOD Games officially launched its inaugural winter festival at the BMO Centre. This free, family-friendly event focused on movement and inclusion, offering attendees opportunities to try new activities in a high-energy environment.
Founded by former Canadian women's national soccer player and hall of famer Helen Stoumbos, the festival featured numerous engaging activities. Key highlights included:
- Teqball demonstrations by Robert Kertesz from Toronto Teqball
- Pickleball sessions for all skill levels
- Freestyle Soccer showcases featuring World Cup Champions including Osman Roa
- Wheelchair Basketball exhibitions
- Arctic Games demonstrations
- Arm Wrestling Supermatches
The event successfully created an accessible space where community members could explore various sports and physical activities in a welcoming atmosphere.
Team Canada FanFest Returns to Calgary
Saturday, February 14, 2026, saw the return of Team Canada FanFest at WinSport, organized by the Canadian Olympic Committee. This free, family-friendly series of events aimed to unite Canadians in supporting Team Canada athletes during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
The event featured appearances by past Olympians, including former gold medalist Catriona Le May Doan, who coincidentally won both of her gold medals on February 14. She shared her medals with young attendees like two-year-old Archie Sedor, creating memorable interactions between Olympic legends and the next generation of sports enthusiasts.
Activities at the FanFest included:
- Interactive luge events where children like seven-year-old Malcolm MacDonald cheered on participants
- Ski jump simulations tried by Parker Morris, 5, and Owen Morris, 9
- Curling lessons taught by former Olympian Cheryl Bernard
- Displays of Calgary 88 Olympic outfits presented by Will Adair
The event successfully fostered national pride and excitement for the upcoming Winter Olympics while providing hands-on experiences for families.
Chinese New Year Festival Celebrations
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre hosted vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations. The festival featured traditional dragon dances that captivated attendees with colorful performances and cultural significance.
These celebrations provided an opportunity for Calgary's diverse community to experience and appreciate Chinese cultural traditions during this important annual festival.
Chinook Blast Final Weekend Activities
The last weekend of Chinook Blast in Calgary offered various winter activities on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Families like Ishani Motha and her three-year-old daughter Kayla enjoyed the festivities, while wood carver Michael Penny demonstrated his craft to interested observers.
Entertainment highlights included freestyle soccer demonstrations by Andrew Henderson, who wowed crowds with his skills. Henderson, along with YouTube star Jayzinho, interacted with fans including nine-year-old Mickey Saranchuk, creating memorable moments for young attendees.
Children throughout the event enjoyed various activities designed to celebrate Calgary's winter season and community spirit.
Community Impact and Photographic Documentation
Throughout the weekend, Postmedia Calgary photographers documented these diverse events, capturing the essence of community engagement across different demographics. From father-son moments like Dad Mo Zarrouq and his three-year-old son Zain at Chinook Blast to intergenerational interactions at the Olympic FanFest, the photographs tell a story of a city actively participating in shared experiences.
These events collectively demonstrated Calgary's commitment to providing accessible, family-oriented programming that celebrates sports, culture, and community connections. The variety of activities ensured there was something for everyone, from sports enthusiasts to cultural explorers, making for a memorable weekend across the city.
