Team Canada athletes are often celebrated for their perseverance, courage, strength, and resilience as they chase their dreams and compete on the world stage at the Olympic Games. But these same qualities shine just as brightly in eleven-year-old Sam. Despite enduring more than ten heart surgeries and living with a pacemaker and univentricular heart, Sam embodies the spirit of a true champion. He faces cardiomyopathy with an unstoppable energy, finding joy in swimming and tennis.
In early August, Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation, and Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada came together to offer a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to Sam: the chance to live out his Olympic dream at the 2024 Games in Paris.
Over five days, Sam and his family experienced the infectious atmosphere of the Games, cheered on their favourite Team Canada athletes, and created unforgettable memories together.
“These are memories we’ll remember for the rest of our lives,” said Marie-Claude, Sam’s mom. “From experiencing business class travel, to watching tennis and meeting Summer McIntosh and Joshua Liendo, we experienced so many special moments that we had never experienced before and never will again. We’re very thankful to have had this time together as a family.”
In addition to watching several competitions, the family experienced Canada Olympic House with a live performance by Arkells at the Air Canada Flight Deck, dined in the Eiffel Tower, and enjoyed a special meet-and-greet with Air Canada sponsored athletes.
"Once-in-a-lifetime experiences offer children who have endured unimaginable adversity the chance to experience wonder and joy. These moments are not just fleeting; they leave a lasting impact on the children and their families,” said Rebecca Smillie-Nedelec, Director, Community Engagement at Air Canada. “It is a privilege to leverage our assets at Air Canada with our partnerships at the Air Canada Foundation to make experiences like this one possible. Together, we are able to bring hope, happiness, and lasting memories to deserving children, reaffirming our commitment to making a meaningful difference in their lives."
Aligned with the Air Canada Foundation’s mission to ignite hope in children facing adversity, Sam was selected through Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada whose focus is to create priceless smiles and memories for seriously ill children and their families.
The Air Canada Foundation is a Canadian registered charity focused on improving children’s health and well-being. Through its main pillars, the Foundation helps kids spread their wings. More information about the Air Canada Foundation and its mission can be found at www.aircanada.ca/foundation.