YORKTON – Organizers say the first Community Spirit Games hosted by the Yorkton Tribal Council brought hundreds of people together for a weekend of sports, entertainment and community events.
The inaugural event took place Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, in Yorkton, with activities centred around the Gallagher Centre and other locations across the city.
Yorkton Tribal Council Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup said the weekend exceeded expectations, especially considering organizers had only a short time to prepare.
“We started talking about it in January and never stopped until everything was over,” O’Soup said. “From our perspective, it was a huge success.”
The two-day event featured several tournaments, including hockey, volleyball and pool, with more than $35,000 in total prize money available.
The hockey tournament, which included 12 teams, awarded $20,000 in prizes. A co-ed volleyball tournament with eight teams offered $4,500 in prize money, while a pool tournament paid out more than $2,000.
In addition to the competitions, the weekend included bingo, a talent show and a live music performance by the Midnight Mist Band. Youth activities included bouncy castles, arcade games and a community pool party, while families gathered around a community bonfire for sleigh rides, hot chocolate and hot dogs.
O’Soup said attendance at many of the events was strong throughout the weekend.
“I know bingo was sold out and there were over 200 people there,” she said. “The talent show and the drag performance were very well attended as well.”
Despite the logistical challenges that can come with a first-year event, O’Soup said the overall goal of bringing people together was achieved.
“Our events were packed,” she said. “It was really about building bridges, bringing people together and creating that community spirit.”
Organizers say they will now review feedback from participants and supporters as they consider plans for future editions of the Community Spirit Games.
