Practice for fine arts took place Monday. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Northern Schools

‘It builds pride’: CCHS hosting Northern Lights 2020 Junior Games

Feb 10, 2020 | 4:45 PM

Building a sense of community is an important part of the Northern Lights 2020 Junior Games happening this week at Churchill Community High School.

Approximately 300 students representing nearly every school in the division are in La Ronge competing at the event, which focuses on athletics, fine arts and cultural activities. According to Vice Principal Kristianna Merasty, the Games are held every two years and is for students between Grades 6 to 9.

“It’s a big undertaking and it costs quite a bit of money too. Those are the two main reasons for every two years,” she said. “It was a lot of work to get ready for it. Right now, I feel like everything is falling into place and that I have a good team under me.”

The Games are comprised of 10 teams competing for individual medals and overall championship banners. There are two teams from Churchill with one including students from Pre-Cam Community School and the other with students from Gordon Denny Community School in Air Ronge. Other teams are from Beauval, Buffalo Narrows, Cumberland House, La Loche, Pinehouse Lake and Sandy Bay.

The two remaining teams are Small Schools West consisting of Cole Bay, Jans Bay, Green Lake and St. Georges Hill. The other is Northeast Wildfire comprised of Stony Rapids, Timber Bay, Uranium City and Weyakwin. Students from all the teams are eating and sleeping at Churchill for the week, so all regular classes are cancelled.

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“Many of our students are volunteering with cooking, score keeping, refereeing and some of them are judging the fine arts activities,” Merasty said. “We did send home homework packages, and they are able to work at those the Ed. Centre and there will be teachers there to support them.”

Registration and opening ceremonies were held Feb. 9 with Monday including events such as volleyball and practice for dance, drama, music and square-dancing. Judging in those categories will be held Wednesday and a Fine Arts Showcase for the winners will occur that evening.

Volleyball competitions occurred Monday at Churchill Community High School. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

This week will also include King and Queen Trapper events, broomball, basketball, cross-country skiing, jigging and more. A special Much Music dance will be held Thursday and closing ceremonies will occur Friday morning. Students will then travel back to their home communities.

“It builds a community, it builds pride in the kids and they get to meet kids from across the division,” Merasty said about the Games. “It’s important because we also have pride in ourselves, and who we are and where we come from.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno