Registration night featured a variety of programs for youths and adults

YORKTON – Multiple groups and organizations gathered at the Gallagher Centre Flexihall on Wednesday night for a city-wide registration. 

“The purpose is to provide the community a one stop location to register for community programs,” said Julia Schofer, Program Coordinator for Recreation and Community Services with the city.   

“All of the organizations here are non-profit organizations who are trying to improve their community through youth programming or adult programming,” said Schofer. 

Among the multiple youth programs to register with was KidSport.  

“KidSport is a children’s charity that helps families facing financial barriers to allow their children to go into sports,” said Daphne van den Hurk of KidSport, adding, “we’re here to bring awareness to what KidSport is and how we can help.” 

Lisa Washington, Manager of Community, Culture and Heritage Recreation and Community Services for the City of Yorkton was also there to inform people om the District Dream Brokers program. 

“District dream brokers help families get their children connected to sport culture recreation activities outside of school,” said Washington.“ 

“[The kids] start making connections and caring about the community, and it also helps them physically, mentally, emotionally and socially,” said Washington on the importance of kids in sports. 

The event wasn’t just for kids.  Groups geared towards adults were in attendance, including the Urban Poling Club and the local Pickleball group. 

“It’s like playing ping pong while you’re standing on the table,” said Cheryl Byczynski, of Yorkton Pickleball, adding, “all kinds of levels of abilities can play it.” 

Gridder Cheerleading had a booth set up as well. 

“We’re working towards that sport for life model where there’s different options for athletes when they get older- things that can keep them in the sport without it being quite as rigorous as it was when they were in their early teens,” said Jennifer Ingham of Gridder Cheerleading, adding, spring classes start at the beginning of May.   

Sports weren’t the only things to register for– Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer was there to find people willing to shave their head in support of cancer research.

“We’re happy to be having an in-person event instead of a virtual event this year,” said Leone Ottenbreit, co-founder of the organization.  

This year will be the organizations 25th event.  It takes place on Saturday, May 28th.  

Also in attendance were the Yorkton Nursery School Co-operative and the Yorkton Navy League Cadets.

“Classes start up in the fall," said Lana Haider of the YNSC, adding that registration night gives them a chance to see children that they've taught in past years.

“We are looking for kids to join the naval cadets," said Corey Anderson, Sub-lieutenant for the Yorkton Naval Cadets, noting, "It’s not always about having people sign up right now- it’s about planting the seed- being visible."

The night also had representatives from Yorkton Martial Arts Training Center, Yorkton Canoe-Kayak Club, Urban Poling Club, Raider Football and Yorkton United Football Club.