Building Community Through Fitness: A Newcomer's Journey

When Sarah Okafor stepped off the plane at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport in January 2023, she carried two suitcases, a heart full of dreams, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Like many newcomers to Canada, she faced the daunting task of rebuilding her life in a completely new environment.

"I remember looking out at the snow-covered city and feeling so small," Sarah recalls, her voice warm but reflective. "Back home in Lagos, I was surrounded by family, friends, and a community that knew me. Here, I was just another face in the crowd."

The Struggle with Isolation

Sarah's first few months in Ottawa were marked by the kind of isolation that many newcomers experience but few talk about openly. Despite having a good job as a software developer and a comfortable apartment in the Glebe, she found herself spending evenings and weekends alone, scrolling through social media and watching the vibrant community life she once knew from afar.

"I tried everything," she laughs, though there's a hint of the loneliness she once felt in her voice. "I joined professional networking groups, tried dating apps, even attended language exchange meetups even though my English was already fluent. But nothing felt genuine. Everything felt transactional."

The turning point came in March 2023, when Sarah stumbled upon a TikTok video that would change her life. It was Temi George, Ottawa Fitnest's founder, announcing a free outdoor bootcamp session in Strathcona Park.

"What caught my attention wasn't just the fitness aspect," Sarah explains. "It was Temi's energy and the way she talked about building community. She understood what it felt like to be new, to be searching for connection."

Taking the First Step

Sarah's first Ottawa Fitnest session was on a chilly March morning. She almost didn't go – the night before, she had talked herself out of it three times, worried about not fitting in, about being judged, about not being fit enough.

"I arrived five minutes late, hoping maybe I could just observe from a distance," she admits. "But Temi spotted me immediately and welcomed me with this huge smile. Within minutes, I was doing jumping jacks alongside people from Syria, the Philippines, Morocco, and right here in Ottawa."

What struck Sarah most wasn't just the diversity of the group, but the shared experience of being new, of looking for belonging. During the cool-down stretches, conversations flowed naturally. Phone numbers were exchanged. Plans for coffee were made.

"For the first time since arriving in Canada, I felt like I was part of something," Sarah says. "It wasn't just about the workout – though I definitely felt the burn! It was about being seen, being welcomed, being included."

From Participant to Leader

Over the following months, Sarah became a regular at Ottawa Fitnest sessions. She attended the weekly bootcamps, joined virtual yoga classes, and participated in themed fitness events. But more importantly, she began to form genuine friendships.

"Sarah was always the one checking in on others," Temi reflects. "If someone was struggling with an exercise, she'd offer encouragement. If someone was new, she'd make sure they felt welcome. She naturally became a community builder within our community."

By August 2023, Sarah had become an unofficial ambassador for newcomers. She started arriving early to sessions to welcome first-timers, sharing her own story and offering practical advice about settling in Ottawa. Her transformation from quiet participant to confident community leader was remarkable.

When Temi approached Sarah about becoming a volunteer coordinator, the decision was easy. "I wanted to give back to the community that had given me so much," Sarah explains. "I wanted to be for other newcomers what Temi and Ottawa Fitnest had been for me."

Creating Ripple Effects

Today, Sarah coordinates Ottawa Fitnest's newcomer welcome program, personally reaching out to each new participant to share resources, answer questions, and provide the kind of warm introduction she wished she'd had when she first arrived.

"Sarah has probably welcomed over 50 newcomers to our community," Temi says proudly. "But more than that, she's helped create a culture where everyone feels responsible for welcoming others. She's multiplied her impact exponentially."

Sarah's story has also inspired her professionally. She recently launched a tech meetup specifically for newcomer professionals in Ottawa, combining her software development expertise with her passion for community building.

"Everything I learned about creating inclusive spaces, I learned through Ottawa Fitnest," she explains. "The principles are the same whether you're leading a workout or facilitating a professional networking event."

The Bigger Picture

Sarah's journey from isolated newcomer to community leader illustrates the broader impact of Ottawa Fitnest's mission. It's not just about fitness – it's about creating pathways to belonging, opportunities for leadership, and spaces where newcomers can thrive rather than just survive.

"When I first arrived, I thought success in Canada meant learning to navigate systems and finding financial stability," Sarah reflects. "Those things are important, but I've learned that true success means finding your community and then helping others find theirs."

Her advice for other newcomers is simple but powerful: "Take that first step, even if you're scared. Especially if you're scared. Community is out there waiting for you – sometimes you just have to show up to find it."

Looking Forward

As Sarah looks toward 2025, her goals extend beyond her own integration. She's working with Temi to develop a mentorship program that pairs established community members with brand-new participants, creating formal support networks alongside the organic relationships that form through shared sweat and laughter.

"I want every newcomer who joins Ottawa Fitnest to feel what I felt in those first few weeks – that sense of being home," she says. "Because home isn't just a place you live. It's a community where you belong."

Sarah's story continues to unfold, but its message is already clear: with the right support, newcomers don't just adapt to their new communities – they help shape them, strengthen them, and make them more welcoming for everyone who comes after.

Sarah Okafor volunteers with Ottawa Fitnest's newcomer welcome program and leads the monthly "New to Ottawa" social meetups. If you're interested in getting involved or sharing your own story, you can reach out through our contact page.