On May 16, the Red River Valley School Division athletics department hosted their second non-traditional sports event of the year at the Morris Multiplex.
A day for all Gr. 5 classes in the division to attend, Sport Exploration Day brought students together to explore a variety of physical activities, some of which they might not otherwise take part in through the public school system.
Organizer and senior years physical education teacher Dan Lehmann says the activities came about from a brainstorming session between all eight schools in the division.
The event followed up on the Indigenous Games Day hosted in mid-February for Gr. 6 students.
“It was well received from adults and students alike,” said Lehmann. “It is great that the [Morris Multiplex] complex has allowed us so much space.”
Sports Exploration Day brought together 168 youth to try their hand at pickleball, ultimate frisbee, floor ball (a version of hockey), baseball5, rugby, and cricket.
Students rotated through the indoor and outdoor activity zones in half hour sessions, with a break for lunch.
A mixture of phys. ed. teachers and volunteers introduced the youth to the sports, offering guidance and support in the form of hand grip, arm swing, or wrist snap.
At the pickleball station, Daphne Keck commented on “the range of student’s abilities” as she taught them the sport.
“Some groups struggled to get beyond the serve, others were rallying [hitting the ball back and forth],” she said, noting students were commenting to each other that, “It was more fun when I hit [the ball].”
About half of the students participating had previously played pickleball but were eager to try the sport once more.
“Okay, let’s go again,” Brayden Morgan from Oakbluff Community School was overheard saying.
Lehmann is excited about the possibility of what future events might look like.
“We hope to branch out and offer days that interest others with the intention to add more, have 10-12 stations over the day.”
