Youngsters aged nine to 13 learned to play volleyball, or sharpened their skills, at the Lakes District Secondary School (LDSS) recently under the guidance of staff and volunteers with the ExploreSportZ-Kheet program.
The joint program, run by Murphy Abraham, Recreation Coordinator for Lake Babine Nation, and Logan Wilson, Village of Burns Lake Recreation Coordinator. It’s the first time the village and Lake Babine Nation have joined resources to sponsor a single youth athletic program, said Abraham.
The word Kheet in the name means ‘Winter,’ and is meant to highlight that this nine-week series of classes emphasizes winter sports. Each session is run by a certified coach.
A Friday’s volleyball session was led by the LDSS volleyball coach, and volunteers. The kids learned everything from the basics of how to play the game to practice in serving and returning volleys.
The remaining activities for the season included Tae Kwon Do, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and biathlon. The program is able to provide transportation and some other services, but it relies upon volunteer help and resources from the community.
The gym use is provided at no charge by LDSS. William Konkin Elementary and the College of New Caledonia will provide ski equipment for the cross-country events coming up.
For more information about the ExploreSportz-Kheet program contact Logan Wilson at the Village of Burns Lake offices.