Coordinator: Athlete Services, Venue: Logistics
Committee Member | Volleyball Player
When Arcel Siosan stepped off the plane in Whitehorse, Yukon at just 10 years old—wearing shorts in the middle of winter—he couldn’t have imagined the life-shaping journey ahead of him. Born in the Philippines and raised with strong Filipino values of community, perseverance, and family, Arcel carried those roots with him as his family began a new chapter in Canada in 2011. In this remote northern city, far from the warmth of Southeast Asia, Arcel found solace and connection through sport. What began as a way to adjust to a new home quickly turned into a calling. From table tennis to volleyball, he immersed himself in athletic pursuits that not only sharpened his skills but also built bridges between cultures, communities, and lifelong friendships. His early start in table tennis led him to represent Yukon at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games and the 2015 Canada Games in Prince George. But it was volleyball that stole his heart and catapulted him onto bigger stages — including two more appearances at the Canada Games in 2017 and 2022. It was during these competitions that Arcel’s leadership qualities began to shine. At the 2022 Canada Games, his selflessness and integrity earned him the Pat Lechelt True Sport Award, a testament to his embodiment of sportsmanship, respect, and community spirit.
Arcel didn’t stop at being an athlete — he became a mentor, organizer, and changemaker. He’s held key roles as Coordinator for Athlete Services, Venues and Logistics for the Arctic Winter Games, Program Coordinator for Subzero Volleyball Club, and Board Member for the Pinoy Canadian Volleyball Association — helping shape opportunities for hundreds of youth across the territory.
His dedication is matched only by his academic pursuit. Arcel graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and a Bachelor of Management, where he also played varsity volleyball with the Dalhousie Tigers. Balancing academics and athletics, he emerged not only with degrees but with a powerful understanding of how sport can uplift entire communities.
In 2024, he took his impact further by joining the Canadian Olympic Committee as an intern, gaining national-level insights into sport systems and excellence. He now plays a vital role in planning the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, all while giving back as a coach and volunteer within both the volleyball and Filipino-Canadian communities.
Recognized as one of the Outstanding Youths in the Filipino-Canadian community in Yukon, Arcel sees this honor not just as a personal accolade, but as a reflection of his community’s strength and support. “Being a role model for the next generation, and sharing how sport shaped my journey — that’s how I hope to help others find their spark,” he says.
From a young immigrant navigating a new land to a leader shaping the future of sport in Canada’s North, Arcel Siosan’s story is a tribute to resilience, representation, and the power of staying rooted while reaching for the sky.
