The annual hockey game between Prince Albert police service and the fire dept. drew a big crowd  (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community leaders

Third annual Sports on Central soars to higher level of fun

May 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM

For the third time in as many years, a section of Prince Albert’s downtown was transformed into a sports mecca.

Sports on Central, organized by Embassy Church and sponsored by dozens of businesses across the city, featured two soccer pitches, a small football field, basketball courts and a ball hockey arena.

Church Pastor Meghan Mayer told paNOW this was their best year yet.

“Seeing so many smiling kids and happy parents was absolutely incredible. I couldn’t be more thankful. It takes a huge team to pull this off, and I’m so grateful for every single volunteer who gave their time and energy to make it happen,” she said. “These are people who serve out of the kindness of their hearts, and their dedication is what makes this event so special.”

(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

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(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

As part of the day’s schedule, there were a number of athlete guest speakers, including Ali Diehl and Gage Grassick.

Diehl, 16, who recently won a number of medals at the 2025 World Para Swimming Championship Series in Indianapolis, has her sights now on competing at the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore this fall, and trials are in June. Diehl, who grew up in Prince Albert and began competitive swimming with the Sharks swim club, said she takes pride in being a role model for young athletes.

“I hope they look up to me and it helps them be more confident in their sport and start other sports as well.”

(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Speaking to the crowd, Diehl explained that competitive swimming takes a tremendous amount of dedication and sacrifice, but added the importance of spending time with family and finding time for yourself.

Diehl also stated her two biggest role models are her mother and brother, and told the crowd you miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take.

“Just have faith in yourself,” she said.

(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Gage Grassick, who won a national championship this year with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, said she is very proud to call Prince Albert home and takes being a role model very seriously.

“Sometimes you need to take a step back and realize I was a little kid at one time and looking up to the Dallas Emerson and Erica Gable, so to be here today, I can kinda speak to the young athletes coming up is always important.”

Grassick has one year left of university and plans to play overseas afterwards.

“I think whats so special about sports now is that’s it not too far fetched to go and play overseas. I’ve had great role models, and three of our athletes through the U of S were actually just in Europe playing”

(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

When asked to describe the feeling of winning a national championship, Grassick told the crowd it’s an experience she wishes every athlete could experience and noted the tight bond she had with her teammates.

“It’s just an indescribable feeling.”

(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

As part of Saturday’s event a number of local sports clubs were present, including P.A. Minor Football, P.A. Youth Soccer, P.A. community basketball, P.A. ball hockey, Special Olympics, P.A. Cricket Association, Whiskey Jack’s rugby club, P.A. speed skating and Kistahpinanihk paddling club.

Funds raised from the 50/50 went to Kidsport, which is holding its major fundraiser this month.

Another big highlight of the day was the annual hockey challenge between members of the Prince Albert Police Service and the city’s fire department. Going into the game, the series was tied at one. This year’s winner was the police, who locked up a 6-1 victory and take a 2-1 lead in the series.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social