At the YMCA, we believe in people. We see their potential. We find strength in telling stories of our differences and find inspiration in sharing our diversity – all with the purpose of bringing us closer together.
Meet Kambiz, one of our Swim Instructors at Saddletowne YMCA. What started as a volunteer role after immigrating from Iran, Kambiz quickly fell in love with the culture of the Y and enjoyed meeting so many people, and decided to stay on permanently.
Kambiz started his Y journey in 2013 volunteering at Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot. He later was hired as a full-time swim instructor and continues to volunteer through the YMCA Tutoring Table Program helping high school students with math and physics. With degrees in geology and geophysics, Kambiz understands the importance of education alongside physical fitness.
“I want to help everyone just as much as the Y has supported me.”
At YMCA Calgary, Kambiz has had many opportunities to grow and develop his personal skills. On top of being a tutor and swim instructor, he has also completed his instructor training course, which allows him to train new swim instructors as they enter the Y. Kambiz has also had the privilege of writing a paper on YMCA’s Test. Mark. Protect. Aquatics safety program that was presented at an international conference.
“I love being at the Y. Whether I am on the pool deck, tutoring, or meeting new people, the Y is like my second home.”
Kambiz cherishes the experience with a senior member who wanted to learn to swim. This individual had no experience with water and Kambiz was able to bring him from being fearful of water to swimming 1000 meters daily. After completing his lessons, this member travelled around the world and returned to Calgary to inform Kambiz that he had swam in three oceans thanks to Kambiz’s help.
“I have been able to help so many people learn to swim, and now they all love the water. Swimming is a life skill and I am glad I can help people learn.”
At YMCA Calgary we connect people through diverse and shared experiences. Thanks to individuals like Kambiz, we help create spaces and communities that are welcoming and inspiring. Whether you are just learning how to swim, participating in group fitness, or taking advantage of our afterschool tutoring program, the Y and its staff are here to support you.
If you have a Y Story, reach out to us at communications@calgary.ymca.ca