Northeast fitness centre wants more Calgary immigrants in local sports

A fitness facility in northeast Calgary is hoping to break down some of the barriers immigrants face when trying to get involved in sports.

Residents in the northeast are far less likely to play sports than are residents in other quadrants of the city, according to a new study by Sport Calgary.

But the northeast also has some of the fastest growing communities in Calgary. For recreation centres, reaching out often means trying something new.

"We're starting to expand and do some cultural programming, so Bollywood dance, women-only gym times because that's what interests them," said Brad Anderson, business development manager at the Genesis Community and Wellness Centre.

"We do a lot of translated program guides and brochures, and one of the hugest avenues for getting our information out is through working with the faith groups because they are able to get the word out to their members on a level that we just can't reach through traditional media."

Anderson says listening to the needs of residents is a big part of making the fitness facility a success — and that means no ice rink.

The facility can draw upwards of 3,000 people on Friday afternoons, all coming together to pray, watch their children's soccer game or watch a wedding take place.

A new 30,000-square foot gym has been constructed to keep up with demand.

It will double as an event hall for weddings and galas and is set to open this weekend.