This season Atlético Ottawa is extremely proud to partner with CHEO to recognize individuals in our community who show great resilience, courage, and leadership through the CHEO Community Captain program. We are partnering to celebrate local heroes whose stories inspire others and reflect the values that strengthen the Ottawa community.
At each Atleti home match, one Community Captain is honoured on the pitch with a signed captain's armband in recognition of their impact on the community. As we reach the halfway point of the 2026 Canadian Premier League season, we would like to take some time to celebrate the seven remarkable captains that have been recognized so far.
Home Opener With Inaugrual Community Captain Alessio
Our first of the season vs Vancouver FC on April 26th, Alessio is a CHEO Atlético Ambassador representing all patients at CHEO. He has successfully battled through cancer treatment and is back playing competitive soccer, bringing discipline and determination to the game.
Zoe's Wish comes true with Atleti
Zoe was our Community Captain for this May 17th match, she was part of the Make-a-Wish Canada program where her wish to become an Atlético Ottawa player became a reality. Zoe joined our club for the day, taking part in training, receiving her own custom kit, and experiencing matchday as a member of the team.
Mental health advocacy with Community Captain Lu
Lu was the Community Captain for this May 25th match, a passionate CHEO ambassador and advocate for mental health, Lu shared their story through the CHEO Telethon and served as the 2025 Children's Miracle Network Champion for CHEO and continues to inspire others through their courage, leadership, and fearless positivity.
Leading every journey with Community Captain Melissa
Melissa Brett was given the community captain armband on this June 9th Match. Melissa leads CHEO's Critical Care Transport Team, speciaists who transports approximately 500 babies by land and air across 440 000+ square kilometers. Thank you Melissa.
Finding strength together with Community Captain Elsa
Elsa was our next community captain and is a true example of strength, resilience, and courage. She has overcome significant challenges with the support of her family and CHEO hospital. She used her voice to encourage others to seek help and remind us all that asking for support is a sign of strength.
Community Captain Jacob displays the importance of family
Jacob experienced his turn as community captain for this July 17th match. He is the big brother of a CHEO Patient. Jacob proudly represents the incredible siblings who stand beside their families every step of the way. Their support, encouragement, and resilience help make every CHEO Kids Team Stronger. Thank you, Jacob, for representing the extraordinary siblings who show up with love, strength, and unwavering support every day.
A newcomers journey with Community Captian Michael
The 7th community captain was given to Michael during our Newcomer Match. We were proud to recognize Michael alongside former Atlético Ottawa co captain Alberto Zapater, whose leadership and lasting impact on our club made the moment even more meaningful. We are happy to be able to celebrate the journeys, resiliance, and contributions of newcomers who make Ottawa a stronger community every day.
Community Captain Lucky shares his love for the game
Lucky was our Community Captain for the August 8th match. Lucky is a Patient Ambassador for the Kids These Days campaign. He is helping to share his story and shine a light on the incredible work CHEO does for kids and families in the Ottawa community.
Sharing the Love with Community Captain John
The Community Captain for our annual Soccer for Everyone Match is John. John is a part of CHEO's 2SLGBTQIA+ commitee. He is helping create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for staff, children, and families to feel seen, and supported.
Sisters Michaela and Marly share the captain armband as they represent our amazing supporters
We are excited to introduce two sisters who are apart of our Capital City Supporters Group as our Community Captains in this August 28 match. Atletico Ottawa Season Seat Members and sisters Michaela and Marley have both received lifesaving treatment thanks to CHEO and have continued to be such passionate supporters and ambassadors of the club. They have been focusing on creating music and riasing money through busking, paid gigs, and fundraising events specifically the CHEO Telethon.
Spreading Hope with Community Captain Parker
Parker was our Community Captain for the September 5th match. This September we are recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. We are extremely proud to welcome Parker to TD Place and celebrate his incredible courage, resilience and impact. Parker is using his experience to make a difference for others as a CHEO Hospital patient ambassador and advocate.
Celebrating Francophone Connections with Omar
Omar was the Community Captain for our 12th home match on September 20th. We are extremely proud to work with Omar as he helps CHEO to strengthen connections with Francophone families across our region.
Honouring Truth and Reconciliation with Toomasie
For our annual Truth and Reconciliation Match we welcomed Toomasie as our CHEO Community Captain. Toomasie is a massive Atleti fan and Season Seat Member since 2022. A participant in Atleti Equal Access Camps through the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, CHEO has been a part of Toomasie's journey through their amazing work.
Inspiring Young Minds with Edwin
Meet our final Community Captain of the season Edwin. At just seven years old, Edwin is an author of a childrens book supporting youth mental health programs at CHEO with a goal of selling 1000 copies and raising $10000 for the CHEO Foundation.
Together we can make an impact that extends far beyond matchday. Support the Community Captain campaign by making a donation to CHEO and help create brighter futures for local children and youth.
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Atletico "Champions for CHEO" Season Long Partnership - Fundraising For Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario