Arcel Siosan’s story is a true testament to the transformative power of sport and the opportunities it provides. His journey may not have followed the typical path, but his passion, resilience, and commitment to uplifting others have shaped him into the athlete and individual he is today.
Arcel’s love for sport began in the Philippines and continued after his family immigrated to Canada in 2011. The transition from Southeast Asia to Whitehorse, Yukon was a huge shift for Arcel, especially at the age of 10. But sports became his outlet, helping him navigate this change in his life.
“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,” Arcel reflects. “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.”
A Strong Start in Table Tennis
Among the sports Arcel explored, table tennis quickly became a passion. His early years in Whitehorse were marked by a commitment to developing his skills, and in 2014, he had the opportunity to compete at the Arctic Winter Games. A year later, Arcel participated in his first Canada Games in Prince George, representing the Yukon and putting his heart into each game. These early experiences were pivotal moments in his athletic journey.
Though his love for Table Tennis was undeniable, Arcel eventually made the switch to volleyball, a decision that led to him representing Yukon twice more at the Canada Games in 2017 and 2022. Arcel’s athletic versatility demonstrates his resilience and willingness to explore new paths while still carrying the values that sports instilled in him.
Igniting a Spark at the Canada Games
Arcel looks back fondly on his three Canada Games experiences. It was here that his spark for leadership, community involvement, and personal growth truly ignited.
“The Canada Games were a huge milestone for me,” he says. “They taught me how to push my limits, how to work as a team, and how to keep striving toward something greater. It also allowed me to meet amazing people who share the same passion for sports, and I learned so much from them.”
The Bigger Picture: Giving Back
What stands out most in Arcel’s journey is his commitment to uplifting the people around him. Whether on the court or off, Arcel has always made it a priority to bring others along with him, whether as a teammate, mentor, or leader. His dedication to supporting his community and inspiring others is something that continues to define his path, both in sports and in life.
Looking Ahead: A Continued Journey
Arcel Siosan’s journey is far from over. As he reflects on his past and the experiences that have shaped him, he is focused on continuing to grow as an athlete, leader, and advocate for the power of sports. His story serves as an inspiration for all athletes, showing that no matter where you come from or where you start, sports have the ability to transform and elevate us in ways we never imagined.
Table Tennis Canada is proud of the journey Arcel has undertaken and looks forward to supporting his continued growth as an athlete, leader, and advocate for positive change in the sports community.
