Arcel Siosan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport. It may have been a road less travelled, but it’s one that he’s navigated with passion, grace and a profound commitment to uplifting the people around him. 

His love for sport began in the Philippines and continued after his family immigrated to Canada in 2011. Going from Southeast Asia to settle in Whitehorse, Yukon was quite a change for Arcel at the age of 10, but sport was one of the outlets that helped guide him through the transition.

“When I moved to the Yukon, I was actually wearing shorts coming out of the airport and I didn't really know much about what was in Whitehorse,” he said. “It’s a small town, so I really maximized my opportunities by trying different sports and getting to meet a lot of different people within sport. It really helped me to be focused on sports as a young individual moving across the world.”

Table tennis was one of the sports that stuck, and Arcel competed at the Arctic Winter Games in 2014. His first Canada Games followed a year later in Prince George. He later made the switch to volleyball and competed twice more for Yukon at the Canada Games in 2017 and 2022.

Arcel looks back fondly on his three Canada Games experiences and credits them for igniting a spark within him. 

“I've really maximized my opportunities in terms of athlete development and being able to compete with the best of the best across the nation. But also the cultural exchange is something that really stands out to me. With Canada being a multicultural nation, and me being multicultural myself, I really wanted to showcase what is out there, outside of Canada, and the different cultures that one can bring. The connections that people make through interactions with different people, different provinces, and different volunteers, is something that makes the Games extra special, because you're able to get a bit of Canada within that week or two.”

Arcel’s selfless leadership and deep-rooted sportsmanship was honoured at the 2022 Canada Games. He was awarded the Pat Lechelt True Sport Award for his embodiment of the True Sport principles – going for it, giving back to your community and respecting others.

Throughout his journey, Arcel has emerged as a powerful role model for youth and an ambassador for his territory. In 2024, he graduated from Dalhousie University where he spent three years playing varsity volleyball for the Tigers. He now works in sport for the Arctic Winter Games, which will be hosted in Whitehorse in 2026. And he continues to give back as a coach and volunteer to the volleyball and Filipino communities in Whitehorse. He will also return to the Canada Games in 2025 as Mission Staff with Team Yukon.

“It's really fulfilling for me to be able to give back in an industry that's given me so much. Being a role model for the next generation and sharing my experiences and the impact that sport and the Games have given to me, getting that message to the youth is something I can do to help them find their own greatness and find that spark.” 

His ongoing legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations of young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and purpose.