Practices will begin Oct. 26 at La Ronge's Kikinahk Friendship Centre. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

opportunities

Tri-community youth welcome to register for provincial basketball league

Oct 15, 2021 | 12:25 PM

Youth between the ages of 11 to 14 are encouraged to register in the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League that begins in La Ronge this month.

It’s being hosted at the Kikinahk Friendship Centre and the first practice will occur Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m. Participants will be coached by Kikinahk employee Lee-Wayne Nippi, who explained practices will be either 60 or 90 minutes in length once per week on Tuesday’s until some time in February.

“Due to COVID, we’re just doing practices within our communities so our players get familiar with each other,” he said. “Once the numbers go down and it is safer to travel with children, we’re going to be travelling within our division.”

The league is free to join and it is meant to provide a safe learning environment where athletes can develop their skills, build character and work together on the basketball court. There could also be opportunities to travel to locations such as North Battleford, Prince Albert and Saskatoon.

Although the league is focused on Indigenous youth, in the spirit of reconciliation, all athletes with a passion for sport and basketball are welcome to join.

Health

Saskatchewan warned of helium supply cut because of Middle East war

15h ago

Out of this World

WATCH: Canadian Space Agency's first space to Earth video call with Jeremy Hansen

16h ago

Iran War

Iran calls on public to find 'enemy pilot' as U.S. continues frantic search

21h ago

The league was previously in La Ronge during the summer to host a basketball camp. (Submitted photo/Lee-Wayne Nippi)

“We want both a boys and girls team, but right now, we are just combining them for the practices because we only have 13 registered from the tri-community,” Nippi said. “There’s not too much going on for youth programming in the community other than whatever they are doing at the schools. This is something that can get the youth out of the house and back into the routine of trying to get back to the way life was before COVID.”

Those interested in signing up need to visit the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League website to register. Anyone wishing to volunteer will need a current criminal record check and they can contact Nippi at Kikinahk to fill out the required forms.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno