When Emma Carey walked through the doors of Sport North this summer, she brought with her the energy of an elite athlete, the perspective of a Northern leader and the heart of someone deeply committed to helping others find their place in sport.
Raised in the North and shaped by years of dedication as a multi-sport athlete, Carey has always understood that sport is more than competition SA国际影视传媒� itSA国际影视传媒檚 a community.
This summer, sheSA国际影视传媒檚 come full circle, returning to Sport North not just as a former Team NT athlete, but as a summer student, administrative and sport coordinator, and a powerful example of what it means to give back.
SA国际影视传媒淕rowing up, sports were always part of my life,SA国际影视传媒� Carey says. SA国际影视传媒淣ow, as I study kinesiology, I wanted to stay involved in the athletic world but also explore the behind-the-scenes work that helps athletes thrive.SA国际影视传媒�
This passion led her back to Sport North, where her lived experience as a Team NT athlete gives her unique insight. Whether supporting KidSport initiatives or planning sporting events, Carey always carries the athleteSA国际影视传媒檚 perspective with her.
SA国际影视传媒淚 know what it feels like to be on the other side SA国际影视传媒� the nerves, the excitement, the need for support,SA国际影视传媒� she says. SA国际影视传媒淚 try to reflect on my own experiences to make a difference wherever I can.SA国际影视传媒�
Breaking barriers for young athletes
CareySA国际影视传媒檚 work with KidSport NWT has been especially meaningful. Every conversation, grant and outreach message is an opportunity to help another child step into the world of sport.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 been incredibly rewarding,SA国际影视传媒� she explains. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 opened my eyes to how we can remove barriers and give more kids the chance to play. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 not just about sport, itSA国际影视传媒檚 about belonging.SA国际影视传媒�
CareySA国际影视传媒檚 list of sports she's been involved in reads like a full school gym schedule: gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, basketball, track and field, hockey. Through each of these, she developed skills, friendships and a deep appreciation for the value of sport. In 2020, her dedication was recognized through the Sport North Youth Female Athlete of the Year Award, a moment that reminded her of the power of hard work and community support.
Now, Carey plays varsity hockey for the Holland Hurricanes WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Team in Charlottetown, PEI. While PEI is far from home, her experience there has been life changing.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 pushed me outside my comfort zone. Our team is like a family, and that bond has helped me grow on and off the ice,SA国际影视传媒� she says. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 taught me resilience, leadership, and the importance of showing up for each other.SA国际影视传媒�
Partaking in two to four weekly ice sessions, team workouts and yoga classes, Carey balances her schedule with studies and much-needed coffee shop breaks with friends. She credits this balance among academics, sport and relationships with shaping her into a stronger and more-rounded person.
One of CareySA国际影视传媒檚 proudest contributions this summer is bringing her Northern perspective to every table she sits at. As someone who grew up in the North, she understands both the challenges and opportunities unique to our communities.
SA国际影视传媒淚 want to contribute by being a voice for Northern athletes,SA国际影视传媒� she says. SA国际影视传媒淲e have so much potential up here. I want to help shape pathways so that more youth can see whatSA国际影视传媒檚 possible beyond the rink or court.SA国际影视传媒�
Carey also holds her Hockey Level 2 coaching certification and is working toward Development 1, showing her continued investment in coaching and sport leadership.
Advice for the next generation
For young athletes wondering how to stay involved in sport after competition, Carey has one key piece of advice: SA国际影视传媒淒onSA国际影视传媒檛 stop when the games end. There are so many ways to stay involved: coaching, mentoring, organizing or just cheering others on. Follow your passion, and the opportunities will come.SA国际影视传媒�
As she wraps up her summer with Sport North, CareySA国际影视传媒檚 legacy will be felt in the initiatives sheSA国际影视传媒檚 supported, the youth sheSA国际影视传媒檚 helped and the example she sets for what it means to come home and give back.
She reminds us all that sport is not just about medals or scoreboards, itSA国际影视传媒檚 about people, passion and possibility. Whether on the ice in PEI or behind a desk at Sport North, sheSA国际影视传媒檚 helping shape the future of sport in the North, one day at a time.
