A young goaltender stays focused on the puck. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Events

Sports on Central takes over downtown Prince Albert

May 26, 2024 | 11:20 AM

For one day each year, a section of Prince Albert’s downtown gets transformed into a playing surface for hockey, soccer, basketball and football players.

The second annual Sports on Central event was held on Saturday.

And this year, the day included added representation from a number of other clubs and sports in the city such as wrestling, gymnastics, fencing, weight lifting, and skiing.

A young soccer player takes aim at the goal. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

A fencing demonstration. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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Members of the PA Wrestling Club engaged in a friendly contest. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

A shot that would make Michael Jordan proud. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Lining up for the next play. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

And right in the centre of all the action was a large stage where guest speakers Stryker Zablocki, Tanner Svenson, and Greg Hendricks made speeches. Zablocki is a local hockey player who has competed at the national level. Svenson is an athlete with P.A. Special Olympics. And, Hendricks is an NFL chaplain for the 49ers.

During his passioned speech, Hendricks, an NFL chaplain, talked about the importance of hope and encouraged governments to provide more resources to address homelessness.

Acknowledging the success of the event and his own personal admiration of what organizers had accomplished, Hendricks also teased the idea of returning next year with a player from the NFL.

Greg Hendricks travelled from San Diego. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Special olympics athlete Tanner Svenson receives an award. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Another highlight of the day was the annual hockey game between the Prince Albert Fire Dept. and the Prince Albert Police Service.

Kicked off with the help of the Prince Albert Highlanders, the 30 minute contest was fast and fierce.

Representatives from the fire department would ultimately emerge the victors, winning 5-4 and tying the total series at 1-1.

The P.A. Highlanders. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Members of the PA Fire Dept. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Members of the police service were eager to go 2-0. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Organized by Embassy Church, and sponsored by numerous businesses across the city including Mann Northway, Tash’s Flooring and Markit signs, the idea for the event is to give back to the youth in Prince Albert and not only show them the different sports in the city, but let them know that they matter.

“It’s all about the kids and providing them an opportunity to play sports,” said organizer Scott Manson. “To come out for a fun day, to get a good experience and to also highlight the opportunities in their city.”

“I think sometimes when you’re a youth, you think that you’re alone or that nobody sees you and this is something that is pointing to them saying that there’s a whole community from different businesses and different walks of life that are coming together to celebrate them,” added co-organizer Meghan Mayer.

“I’ve heard so many stories from so many people on how sports have helped them in their life, that it was something that saved them when they were going through hard times.”

Representatives from KidSport were also on hand, and received half the funds from the 50/50 raffle.

Mark Ripley from Mann Northway helped present one of the awards. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell