On a sunny Saturday afternoon, 82 individuals from various countries gathered at McMahon Stadium to receive their Canadian citizenship before the Calgary Stampeders game. The ceremony, which took place on July 24th, was a special event organized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in partnership with the Calgary Stampeders Football Club.
The new citizens, hailing from 27 different countries, took their oath of citizenship on the field in front of a cheering crowd of over 25,000 people. This was the first time that a citizenship ceremony was held at a professional sports event in Calgary.
Among the new citizens was 27-year-old Aisha Alhassan, who came to Canada from Nigeria in 2016. She expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating, “I feel so blessed and grateful to be a Canadian citizen. This is a dream come true for me and my family.”
The ceremony was also attended by special guests, including Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and IRCC Minister Marco Mendicino. In his speech, Minister Mendicino highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in Canada, stating, “Our strength as a country lies in our diversity. Each and every one of you brings unique talents, skills, and perspectives that enrich our nation.”
Mayor Nenshi also shared his congratulations and welcomed the new citizens to the city, saying, “Calgary is a city that embraces diversity and celebrates multiculturalism. We are proud to have you as our newest citizens and we look forward to seeing all that you will contribute to our community.”
The citizenship ceremony was followed by the Calgary Stampeders game against the Ottawa Redblacks, where the new citizens were invited to participate in the pre-game coin toss. They were also treated to a special halftime performance by the Calgary Multicultural Choir.
This event not only celebrated the new citizens and their journey to becoming Canadians, but also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in Canadian society. It was a proud moment for both the new citizens and the city of Calgary, showcasing the welcoming and inclusive nature of Canada.
