Saskapalooza receives overwhelming response

Posted: November 26, 2014 9:15 a.m.

Earlier this month approximately 200 youth, teacher-champions, and University of Regina students participated in the first Saskapalooza Celebration and League Tournament.
Earlier this month approximately 200 youth, teacher-champions, and University of Regina students participated in the first Saskapalooza Celebration and League Tournament. Photo: U of R Photography

The Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport was recently a hub of excitement for more than 200 youth, teacher-champions, and University of Regina students for the inaugural Saskapalooza Celebration and League Tournament.  

Saskapalooza is a modified volleyball league for elementary students in Grades 6 to 8 and was created as a way to provide more schools and communities access to organized sport.

This year’s event was organized and delivered by seventy first-year University of Regina students taking a Kinesiology course called Lifespan Growth and Motor Development (KIN 180).  

“We were hoping for 90 girls (to attend) and accommodated 187 in the Saskapalooza league.  The response was overwhelming,” said Dr.June LeDrew, professor for KIN 180 and facilitator of the league.  

In addition to helping young people access sport Saskapalooza gave these University of Regina students hands-on experience hosting a large-scale sporting event.

“The UofR students enjoyed supporting the Saskapalooza class project as administrators, researchers, fundraisers, referees and coaches,” said LeDrew.  “This authentic learning experience broadened our understanding of the development needs of the Saskapalooza participants in the pre-adolescent years”.

This league is also an example of how schools, sport organizations, and the University can work together to provide positive experiences for youth. The inaugural delivery of the Saskapalooza League began in September, with representation from Coronation Park, Dr. L.M. Hanna, Henry Janzen, George Lee, W.F. Ready, Rosemont, Gladys McDonald and Massey elementary schools.

Partners in this project also include Sask Volleyball, Regina Police Service, SaskSport, Regina Public Schools and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina.