Finding Community in the Pool

When Manuel and his family moved to Canada, they were adjusting to a new life in a new place. At the Y, they found friendship, routine—and a way for their kids to thrive.

“The YMCA helped my daughter keep swimming — and helped our family feel at home in a new country.” – Manuel Bravo

Two years ago, Manuel Bravo and his family immigrated to Canada from Nicaragua. The transition came with many challenges—from finding affordable programs to adjusting to a colder climate. But when he reached out to the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s Recreation Opportunities for Children program, things began to change.

“They responded right away,” he says. “I didn’t know much about the YMCA, but I quickly learned it’s not just a gym. It’s a place that really supports families.”

Manuel’s daughter had been swimming since she was young, and thanks to the Y, she could continue developing her skills. “The instructors were fantastic,” he says. “They placed her with other kids at her level, and she built great friendships.”

His teenage son also joined in—choosing weight training as a complement to swimming. “The Y worked with our schedules, and it became a space where each of us could find something meaningful.”

For the Bravo family, the Y became more than a program provider—it became a hub of connection. “We’ve made friends with other families, and that’s helped us feel more at home,” he says.

“Swimming creates more than safety—it creates community,” says Finlay McLandress, Aquatics Director at the Downtown Y. “Families like Manuel’s remind us of the ripple effect these programs can have.”

Whether it’s sharing lessons or relaxing in the pool together, the experience has brought the family closer. “Indoor swimming has helped us stay active in the winter and relieve stress. It’s something we can do together.”