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 and most recent 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.
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