To celebrate Sports Day in Canada on September 17th, Swift Current hosted a week of activities and events from September 12 to 17.

The week began with Jersey Day where all community members were encouraged to wear sports jerseys. Mayor Schafer was photographed proudly wearing his Broncos jersey in his office at Wellington West Capital.

Then on Tuesday evening at the Stockade about 40 kids enjoyed playing sports with the Broncos. The players intermingled with the students having fun playing floor hockey, soccer and volleyball.

Wednesday was a busy day beginning with a SunDogs pep rally at BodyFit where the new 2011- 12 volleyball teams from Great Plains College were introduced, and followed by a delicious meal of pitas, fruit and veggies provided by Soup and Such. Later on Wednesday about 40 kids came out to skate with the Swift Current Wildcats girls’ hockey team, and that evening, Girls on the Move was attended by a dozen girls who played some fun games.

A free youth fitness program was offered at The Center on Thursday from 4-5 p.m. Even though the attendance was low, those who did show up had fun learning about clogging and karate. Thanks to the Speedy Creek Cloggers and Swift Current Karate. Later in the evening, Boys on the Move had fun playing soccer at Elmwood Park.

Friday was a fun-filled day with eight schools participating in the very first ever In Motion Torch Relay. The relay began at Fairview School at 9 a.m. with the school’s cross-country team carrying the banner and torch to Ecole Oman School where they burst into the assembly. The In Motion students from Oman School continued the relay on to St. Joseph School where a group of students then carried the torch over the bridge to Great Plains College. As the relay continued, the torch and banner were carried to St. Patrick School, Central School, Ashley Park School, and finally to O.M. Irwin Middle School. Each school received the torch with cheering, clapping and lots of energy! The relay was led throughout our city by Constable Doherty in an RCMP car, and followed by a city truck blasting music. Thanks to all the schools for participating.

Then on Friday evening the Legionnaires hockey team volunteered at The Center by interacting with the youth as they played pool, video games, cards and ping-pong. Approximately 300 youth attended this past Friday evening at The Center. Another great event – thanks to the Legionnaires team for coming out!

Sports Week wrapped up on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Market Square where there was a booth displaying the week’s activities as well as some fun games for the children to play. Then at 2 p.m. Voth’s Countrywide set up a large TV screen on the stage to show the Riders game.

Swift Current’s In Motion facilitator and Sports Week coordinator, Val Choo-Foo was thrilled with the week’s activities and community’s support.

“What an exciting week where many of Swift Current’s sports teams participated in the events and promoted physical fitness,” said Choo-Foo.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to Sports Week, and to everyone who came out to have fun being In Motion!”