WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBER EXPERIENCE - 2026 - MB

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBER EXPERIENCE 25 & 28 Aug 2026 is now open. The application deadline is Sunday 26 July 2026 at 2345 hrs central time.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On, in collaboration with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Alumni Association, will conduct the “Winnipeg Blue Bombers Experience 2026” on August 25 & 28, 2026. Soldier On participants will spend two days being introduced to the sport of football. The aim and scope of this event will be to introduce basic techniques, skills and drills for football and most of all… to have fun!

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 20.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Winnipeg and Brandon / Shilo and their respective surrounding areas (100 km) who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Tuesday 25 Aug 26: Blue Bomber Alumni Day:
-0900 hrs All participants and staff arrive at B90 at 17 Wing Winnipeg, south parking lot and report to OPI;
-0915 hrs: All participants depart for B90 at 17 Wing Winnipeg via DND bus for Princess Auto Stadium;
-1000 hrs: Arrive at Princess Auto Stadium;
-1000 - 1400 hrs: skills, drills, and lunch with the Blue Bomber Alumni; &
-1430 hrs: Return to 17 Wing.

Friday 28 Aug 26: Game Day - Bombers vs Alouettes:
-1630 hrs: Team Dinner at the Wobbly Prop (17 Wing Winnipeg);
-1730 hrs: Depart for Princess Auto Stadium via DND bus;
-1800 hrs: Arrive at Princess Auto Stadium;
-1800- 2230 hrs: Watch game; &
-2300 hrs: move to bus and depart for 17 Wing Winnipeg.

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:

Transportation:

Travel assistance will be provided as follows:

1) Brandon / Shilo Area Participants: Participants from the Brandon / Shilo area (& surrounding 100 km) will travel from Brandon / Shilo to 17 Wing Winnipeg together in DND vehicle. Once at 17 Wing Winnipeg, all participants will travel to and from Princess Auto Stadium via DND bus.

2) Winnipeg Area Participants: Travel assistance is not provided for participants residing within the Winnipeg local area (& surrounding 100 km). Reporting times and locations will be communicated closer to the event.

Meals:

The following meals will b provided during the event:

Tuesday 25 Aug 2026 - lunch.

Friday 28 Aug 2026 - dinner.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 4 hours of moderate-high paced activities. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers Alumni will host a mini skills & drills camp on August 25th that will capture mobility, passing, catching and kicking a football. It will also include a short game of two-hand touch football. Participants must be able to conduct these activities without issue or being in violation of their MELs. On August 28th, group participants will be watching the Winnipeg Blue Bombers take on the Montreal Allouettes. 

Applicants must be able to function in a loud and crowded environment. Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. 

Applicants are advised that the activity and meals for this event is/may be located at Canadian Armed Forces bases/facilities, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment. Applicants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol consumption allowed at any part of this event; including in the accommodations. Applicants are advised that they will be required to share accommodations.