Highflying team comes in for a landing

Snowbirds fly in for afternoon of fun at the Alberta Children's Hospital

Story and photo by Janet Mezzarobba

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the Snowbirds!

The Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds came in for a landing at Alberta Children’s Hospital, bringing smiles and fun to patients and families on July 16.

Along with the SkyHawks Parachute Team, the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds entertained patients by showing off flight gear, giving lessons on parachuting, and sharing fabulous stories of daring adventures.

“I don’t want to go home, it’s like being in a fun hotel today,” said eight-year-old patient Abdulrahman El-outa.

“This visit helps the patients forget where they are, brings joy, and helps them forget about their pain and why they’re here,” says mom Zubaidah.

The SkyHawks is Canada’s only military parachute demonstration team. The pilots and technicians of the Snowbirds work as a team to bring thrilling performances to the North American public. Both teams are in Calgary for the Springbank Airshow on July 18 and 19.