While Qualifiers have been under way in recent weeks, the first set of Provincial tournaments are taking place over the third and fourth weekends of October. These tournaments mark the first SSNL Provincials to occur since the onset of the covid-19 pandemic back in the winter of 2020.

“We’re very excited to be in a position where we can once again offer provincial-level tournaments to our student-athletes,” states Karen Richard, Executive Director of School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador. 

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“We’ve always felt very strongly that extra-curricular sports are an integral part of a students education, and we’re so happy to be able to offer it once again.”

The 2020-2021 school year saw the introduction of Sectional tournaments in place of the regularly scheduled Qualifier and Provincial tournaments. Sectional tournaments limited student-athletes to only compete against teams within their specific Public Health Region. 

Provincial Tournaments

However, for the 2021-2022 school year, new Public Health guidelines have allowed SSNL to re-establish its Qualifier and Provincial tournaments.

“There are obviously many challenges when implementing a sporting event during the current pandemic, but we ensure we follow all necessary public health protocols to ensure our events are as safe as possible,” remarked, Karen Richard.

In addition to the reinstatement of Provincial tournaments, SSNL has even more reason to celebrate the 2021-2022 school year with the added support of Keyin College, their newest Gold Medal level sponsor. Keyin College has committed $100,000 in sponsorship over the next four years.

“Keyin College is a great fit for our organization and we’re absolutely thrilled with the prospects and opportunities that exist within this new partnership,” commented, Karen Richard. 

“With all of the uncertainties that exist in the extra-curricular world at this time, it’s fantastic to have a partner like Keyin College on our side to help navigate. Keyin’s commitment and support is a huge boost to our Varsity program.”

As an official sponsor of the SSNL Varsity program, Keyin College will be a key partner in many of the recognition programs run by SSNL including its MVP & Sportsmanship recognition program, its Sports Star program and its Scholar Athlete program.

‘Access to Sport’

“Access to sport and the ability to participate in competition is an important part of the grade-school experience for young athletes across our province,” said Craig Tucker, President of Keyin College. 

“Community is at the heart of everything we do at Keyin College and our partnership with School Sports NL allows us to further invest in our youth and their future. Over the next four years we will provide $100,000 to sponsor the Varsity Program and help set young athletes up for success at the community, regional, and provincial levels and prepare them for varsity opportunities in the years to come.”

Pandemic uncertainties aside, SSNL and its Varsity program have a lot to look forward to in the coming years courtesy of its new Varsity partner.

The first SSNL Provincials taking place this month are the Varsity Girls Slo-Pitch, Varsity Boys Outdoor Soccer, Varsity Girls Outdoor Soccer and Varsity Boys Slo-Pitch.