OUTREACH TO PARA ATHLETES To further grow the event, the last two years organizers have encouraged para athletes to participate. While only one para athlete competed in 2025, Gentes says the initiative “has a lot of potential.” As part of the strategy to attract more para athletes, military veteran Mike Trauner was appointed a Legion Nationals ambassador. “He is an Afghanistan veteran. He lost both of his legs and had other various injuries as a result of his service,” says Nujma Bond, manager of communications for the Royal Canadian Legion. Bond notes the retired master corporal, and rower, shares his story with athletes and “cheers them on throughout the games.” COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNICATIONS Given the constant flow of newcomers to the championship competition, Gentes says multiple channels are needed to reach parents, athletes and potential sponsors. With the new para initiative, for example, “we had a poster email campaign,” Gentes says. Messaging “is also supported with our social channels here in the Legion, however the Legion channels aren’t just for sport.” Beyond Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts, Gentes says it’s important for the organization to push communications internally and externally. Besides provincial commands within the Legion, updates go to Canadian sport communities—such as coaches, national and provincial sport organizations, and school athletic associations. “All of that leads to our website,” Gentes adds, noting the Legion Nationals website has a technical manual and scrupulous details on everything from qualifying to registration and event accommodations. “It helps the parents or anyone coming to our website grasp what is needed.” MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES Achieving growth requires a quality experience for those involved. Organizers first ensure the Legion Nationals are professionally run, something Bond says is also foundational for athletes aiming to go on to compete professionally: “They have that initial introduction at a very young age of what it’s like—the pressures and the emotion and how it all works.” In addition, Bond says leadership skills, a coming together, themes of remembrance and honouring of veterans’ sacrifices all make the overall sentiment of the Legion Nationals unique. “The spirit and the camaraderie and the friendship is really palpable when you are at this event… We are so proud of these championships.” STRATEGIES THE LEGION NATIONALS Roots: It started with one branch. In the early 1950s, Ontario Legion Hydro Branch No. 277 held invitational track meets to support youth, including those with parents in the military. Today: Now an annual three-day event, the Legion Nationals are a national competition for U16 and U18 athletes. International recognition: Over the years, many participants have achieved national, international and Olympic success. Heart: On and off the field, organizers instill lessons about leadership, camaraderie and the sacrifices of Canadian war veterans. Steady growth: Some 800 athletes competed in 2023; 900 in 2024; and 1,000 in 2025. Locations: The host destination shifts every two years—Calgary in 2024 and 2025; and Regina for 2026 and 2027. 14 ADRENALIN | SPRING 2026 ADRENALINMAG.CA
