Dodgeball tournament a big hit in Fort Simpson

Liidlii Kue First Nation uses Youth Infrastructure Grant to bring fun to the court

Marie Anderson, left, and Stevie-May Gargan-Lacasse, hold a Dehcho Regional Helicopters’ banner behind the prize table at the dodgeball tournament in Fort Simpson. (Photo courtesy of Val Gendron)

Balls were flying in Fort Simpson on May 1 as six teams battled to emerge as the victors in a dodgeball tournament.

Liidlii Kue First Nation used its Youth Infrastructure Grant to sponsor a one-day youth dodgeball tournament at the Fort Simpson recreation centre. Every year each of Dehcho Regional Helicopter’s seven Limited Partners can apply for a youth grant and a Women’s Wellness Grant that are funded through our agreements with Great Slave Helicopters.

“It was a really good turnout. I was very impressed,” said Andre Bolduc, the village’s recreation co-ordinator.

Thirty-six youth ranging in age from seven to 17 were split into six teams for the tournament. The teams participated in round robin style games before breaking for a pizza lunch and then moving into the playoffs.

The tournament was structured so each team was able to play the same number of games and every participant left with a prize.

“They loved it,” Bolduc said.

Team 3 was crowned the tournament champions while Team 1, who had a guest player William Magno the principal of the local secondary school, finished in second.