“A Sense of Belonging”
Words cannot express the influence that the Catholic Youth Organization has had on myself, my family, friends, and the Hamilton community. The C.Y.O. has had and continues to have a positive influence on youth throughout Hamilton through enriching summer camps, energetic participation, and a true emphasis on the spirit of service. With its unwavering dedication to diversity and community involvement, the C.Y.O. has been an unbelievably steady influence for the betterment of the community.
My journey with the C.Y.O. began when I was six years old, in first grade. I participated in fall sports including cross country, attended educational trips with my classmates, and went to summer camp every year. My sense of belonging, the lifelong friends I made from various schools while growing up within this organization, and my introduction to the world of physical fitness within sports, began with the CYO. Today, I am still involved in various competitive sports due to those beginning years. I began my sport involvement because of CYO and know that this greatly influenced my love of participating because of those opportunities during my elementary school years, where it all began.
The Catholic Youth Organization has been a major factor in the ongoing involvement of sports in Hamilton and neighbouring regions. They offer a variety of engaging activities that cater to individuals of all ages, capabilities, and backgrounds. In addition to encouraging physical fitness and active participation, the C.Y.O. has taught many kids life lessons that they will use throughout their high school careers and beyond. Growing up through the C.Y.O, I developed skills such as time management, self-discipline, and cooperation, skills that many other young kids have acquired over the years. Overall, the C.Y.O. provides unforgettable opportunities and long-lasting learning experiences that continue to benefit individuals' lives forever, including myself.
Although I have numerous experiences and memories as an athlete and participant within the Catholic Youth Organization, another part of my life within the C.Y.O comes from volunteering and being a counsellor within the sports camp itself. These past two summers as a counsellor at the sports camp have been the best two summers of my entire life. Creating a lasting positive impact on every child that comes to the camp is so important. I always look forward to seeing kids come back year after year because of how much they love the camp which is a testament to the impact of this experience. In addition to being a counsellor, I referee C.Y.O. volleyball, often officiating some of the campers. CYO offers many students who may not make a rep team the opportunity to play a sport. Without C.Y.O. this would not happen for many. Again, another program that is offered which allows for inclusion and belonging.
The memories I have made and continue to make as a staff member and volunteer are everlasting and I could not imagine my life without the C.Y.O. It is impossible to adequately describe the difference C.Y.O. has made in the lives of so many people. The Catholic Youth Organization continues to work so hard to not only create memories, but also to leave an everlasting and diverse legacy for so many. I am eternally grateful to the C.Y.O. for the life skills taught to me, the friendships that they helped me create, the confidence that I have developed and the memories that will last forever.
Sincerely,
Mia Persia