Hundreds of games are being played over the three day tournament in P.A. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Volleyball Tournament

FSIN Youth Volleyball Championships in P.A.

Dec 14, 2019 | 3:51 PM

The 2019 Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Youth Volleyball Championships are being hosted in Prince Albert this weekend.

Until Sunday hundreds of games are being played at different locations across the city including the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse, Carlton Comprehensive High School, Senator Allan Bird Gymnasium, and Margo Fournier Centre.

Championship organizer, Dale Mike, said 88 teams were entered into the tournament and over 212 games would be played at seven different divisions. The teams compete in U12 Co-ed Smash ball, as well as U14, U16 and U18 female and male.

“There are 21 teams from the U18 girls which is our biggest and I think it’s the biggest this event has ever had,” Mike told paNOW. “Our numbers keep growing every year. This is becoming a popular sport among the First Nations communities.”

Everyone who is affiliated with the FSIN could enter if they’re in good standing in the sport. He said the tournament has been going well with help from other teams and volunteers.

Police activity

Increased police presence at Sturgeon Lake

58m ago

RAILWAY CLAIM

Ottawa settles 93-year-old land dispute with Flying Dust First Nation

1h ago

Moving forward

Prelim dates confirmed for Constant murder case

3h ago

“I’m very grateful for the support from other communities who love the sport of volleyball,” Mike said.

Multiple games are being played over the weekend across different locations including Carlton Comprehensive High School. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

He said it’s important to host the tournament because they’re provincial championships and First Nations athletes and teams will be travelling from all over Saskatchewan.

“But also, it gives the kids a meaning to the sport, it’s a sport they love, it keeps them connected within our province, giving them their bragging rights for the year,” Mike said.

He said it also bring First Nations people together.

“That’s what we need right now is working together and championships like this make it possible,” he said.

The championship portion of the tournament will begin on Sunday.

–

Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12