A rugby camp for Indigenous youth is coming to Chilliwack on Good Friday.
The Thunder Indigenous Rugby Camp will be at G.W. Graham Middle Secondary School on Friday, March 29. It is hosted by Rugby Canada in partnership with the RCMP Indigenous Police Services.
This free event is open to Indigenous youth aged six to 18, and organizers say it is aimed at fostering talent and leadership.
“This event seeks to celebrate Indigenous culture while providing a platform for skill development, mentorship, and community building within the sport of rugby.”
It will feature a two-hour clinic running from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with four objectives:
Athletic development: Participants will receive coaching and training to improve their rugby skills and tactical understanding of the game.
Leadership empowerment: Indigenous youth will have the opportunity to develop leadership qualities through team-building exercises led by Indigenous role models.
Cultural celebration: The camp will celebrate Indigenous culture by promoting a sense of pride and identity among participants.
Community engagement: By fostering connections between participants, coaches, and community leaders including members of the RCMP Indigenous Policing Service, the camp seeks to strengthen bonds within the Indigenous rugby community and promote long-term engagement in the sport.
The clinic will be followed by two games where Thunder Rugby will take on G.W. Graham Grizzlies; the girls play at 2:30 p.m. and the boys at 3:30 p.m.
After the matches, the event will wrap up with a cultural celebration featuring guest speakers at 5 p.m. at Tzeachten Community Hall.
To register for this free rugby clinic, click here. Registration closes on March 22.