Local Ukranian emigre and Carleton Place resident Olga Ialovenko is the impetus behind a unique board game tournament that took place last Saturday (March 14th) in Ottawa.
Teenagers from Ontario, Quebec and Alberta gathered to compete in the 2nd National Youth Financial Literacy Tournament, FINGame UA 2026, a live economic simulation designed to build financial decision-making and leadership skills.
Winning team earned a trip to the International Life Capital competition in Geneva.
Ialovenko says thanks to sponsor generosity, the second prize was a computer for each competitor.
But the competition wasn’t just for material benefit- it was subtly designed to impart life skills.
The 2nd National Youth Financial Literacy Tournament, FINGame UA 2026 was to demonstrate to obsevers how the game imparts life lessons.
By inspiring kids, the youth then put pressure on parents and educators to support the new system.
Ialovenko says the symbolism of a Life Capital tournament in the Nation’s Capital should not be lost.
The Life Capital advocate says the event’s atmosphere is almost unique.
For your reporter, it’s interesting to observe how the English version of Life Capital has caught on in less than six months since its introduction.
The tournament took place at Invest Ottawa on Bayview Station Road last Saturday.
By Rick Stow
