Elementary school students in SD73 are only able to play intramural sports, not competitive sports between schools (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

NO ELEMENTARY SPORTS

Kamloops parents push back at cancelled elementary sports, SD73 reconsidering

Oct 21, 2021 | 9:05 AM

KAMLOOPS — High school sports are already in high gear — with the football season into playoffs — but the same can’t be said about elementary school sports, which have been cancelled across the district.

“Hearing that volleyball was put on the backburner in our area when other areas aren’t that are quite close to us — areas as close as Salmon Arm playing other schools, Vernon is playing schools — I just thought this was an important thing to do,” said Deb Twemlow.

Twemlow has put a petition together following last week’s decision. She hopes SD73 reverses course.

“Some people were [concerned] because their kid can’t sit still in class. It was the only thing they look forward to,” she said. “They missed an entire year, worldwide. We all understand that part, but their kid looks forward to sport, looks forward to going to school for sport. For other people it was friendship, especially if they’re newer to the school district.”

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Right now, students from Grades 4 to 7 are only playing intramural sports — competing against their own classmates and not against other schools.

With COVID-19 on the forefront and cases rising, SD73’s Elementary Sports Council decided to limit competition.

“Each of the athletic directors and principals spoke about the high level of skill development and engagement of students, and they didn’t feel at the time there was a need to go to interschool athletics. It was really that simple,” said SD73 Superintendent Rhonda Nixon.

However, with some negative feedback from parents in Kamloops, the sports council is meeting again to reconsider.

“They are getting together this week to look at ‘what does interschool athletics bring that intramurals athletics doesn’t? And should we proceed with perhaps an interschool athletics program,” said Nixon. “I don’t think the council anticipated the reaction that they’ve had. I don’t think there was any intention but good choices for the kids.”

Asked about why sports can’t go ahead with student cohorts not happening this school year, Nixon says Interior Health has recommended limited student interaction.

The reconsideration is promising for parents, who just want to see their kids compete in sports.

“We’d like to have kids experience playing other schools in whatever form that is — and that could be parents maybe not even watching, or in other school districts one parent is watching,” noted Twemlow. “Limited numbers, wearing masks, limited carpool. However that works, I feel like there is room for the school district to work with us.”