(Fort McMurray, AB - February 27th, 2023) School sports programs are essential to the educational experience for many students across Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD). These programs allow students to learn about teamwork, dedication, and perseverance - skills that carry on into adulthood.
School sports programs equip students with the skills to effectively manage time and prioritize goals to achieve success outside of athletics. They gain valuable lessons on maintaining healthy habits such as proper nutrition and caring for one’s body - both essential for success later in life. The benefits extend beyond physical fitness, fostering a sense of community among students who might otherwise remain isolated.
FMPSD junior high and high school athletic programs have seen tremendous participation rates from students of all ages. This surge in popularity has led to more opportunities for student athletes to participate in various activities, such as basketball, volleyball, curling, soccer, and track & field.
Westwood Community High School is a Fort McMurray School Athletic Association (FMSAA) member and has an impressive history in its athletic programs. Working with FMSAA lets Westwood build schedules, set tournaments, and award players for extraordinary performance, ensuring all grade 7-12 athletes have access to quality sporting experiences during their high school career. With over one-quarter of their student population participating on teams such as volleyball and basketball, it’s no wonder that Westwood students take pride in being competitive against other schools while still adhering to good sportsmanship values.
In an intense, back-to-back championship match-up against a sister-school, the Westwood Senior Girls Basketball Team had all of the grit and determination to take home their second city crown after defeating École McTavish 49–44 last Thursday. Westwood has also been successful in finishing second at the Alberta Charity Cup senior boys basketball tournament.
These successful teams are developed in fundamentals; experienced volunteer teacher coaches put in hundreds of hours each season, preparing athletes at multiple levels. From junior high stars learning how to compete to senior programs sharpening skills, all the while promoting character growth, which helps make these student athletes into well-rounded individuals ready for success no matter where life takes them.
Westwood vice-principal and athletic director Brendan Toner echoes similar sentiments.
“Westwood looks to provide development and fundamentals for junior high athletes as a means to learn to compete. Our senior programs focus on competition and skill building. All levels promote character development so student athletes can excel in the classroom and the gym.”
It’s not just Westwood that is an active member of FMSAA; Fort McMurray Islamic School, Fort McMurray Christian School, École McTavish, and Composite High School are all proud and accomplished members as well.
Fort McMurray Islamic School (FMIS) has made tremendous strides this school year, expanding its sports program to offer various options for junior high athletes. FMIS has already been successful in capturing the Junior High Cross Country Banner and the Girl’s Tier 2 Basketball banner. This success has inspired plans for more growth, including badminton which is scheduled following convention week, and an introduction of track events come April. They look forward to even more success with the upcoming badminton matches, tournaments & possible ‘track meets’ this spring.
FMIS athletic director Terri Josey is excited and optimistic for the future with a collaborative sports program.
“It is definitely a challenge to run all of these sports programs with access to only one gym for essentially three schools (Greely Road, FMIS elementary, and FMIS junior high) - this is where collaboration between schools is key. Our junior high is very small compared to most other schools, but I like to think we are small but mighty. It is the size of one’s will which determines success.”
At the Fort McMurray Christian School, student athletes have proven to be strong contenders in high-level competition across multiple sports. From grades 4 through 9, students are offered various athletic academies, including volleyball. This year both the Junior High Boys & Girls teams placed first in city championships; with more planned successes on their horizon, basketball, badminton, and track teams will also represent the school throughout upcoming tournaments.
“At the Christian School, we believe that partaking in sports builds not only physical endurance but strong character development in building social and leadership capacity,” says Principal Geoff Bishop.
Nearby, École McTavish Public High School has also impressively collected many accomplishments for their sports programs. Since September, the McTavish Marauders have won the FMSAA Women’s Volleyball Varsity Championship, the FMSAA Men’s Volleyball Varsity Championship, Charity Cup second place, FMSAA Jr. High Women’s Basketball Championship, the Varsity Men’s Curling City Championship, Varsity Men’s Curling Zones and many more sports accolades. Since 2011, athletic programs have been a foundational structure to École McTavish. Student athletes can achieve a balance between academics, leadership and sport skill development within the school’s PEAK Athletic Academy. This additional programming allows student-athletes to maximize their training time with elite coaches but lessen the impact on their academic schooling.
Across the other side of the river, Fort McMurray Composite High School has recently been named the Tier 2 Boys Basketball Champions. In a collaborative sports effort between Composite High School and Westwood High School, the combined Senior Girls Basketball team succeeded, becoming the city champions last Thursday. Composite excels at team accolades and individual elite student athlete growth; Grade 12 student Chigoa Gatwech ended her high school basketball career with a 25-1 record and three championships while attending Composite High School.
Composite High School Athletic Director, Saleem Farhat, takes pride in this type of growth as many student athletes have gone on to play collegiate.
“Our program continues to develop college calibre basketball players in the community. We provide our students with an opportunity to train both before school and after school. We take pride in providing all kids with an opportunity to develop regardless of their skill level.”
School sports programs offer a safe environment for children to grow and thrive, providing numerous benefits that will stay with them throughout their lives. FMPSD school sports programs continue to develop children’s physical, mental, and emotional health; they allow students to learn essential lessons in teamwork, communication, and leadership while improving physical fitness. Moreover, they are a great way to build strong relationships between peers and coaches that can last a lifetime. With the winter sports season wrapping up, FMPSD high schools are incredibly optimistic about potential accomplishments for the remainder of the 2022/2023 school year.
For additional information, contact:
Momin Syed
Communications Coordinator
Fort McMurray Public School Division
780-788-8009
communications@fmpsd.ab.ca