Yorkton Welcomes B.C. Students for Exciting Exchange Program

Twelve high school students from British Columbia are visiting Yorkton, Saskatchewan, as part of the Experiences Canada exchange program. The group arrived this week to engage with students at Yorkton Regional High School (YRHS), participating in various activities, including a potluck and basketball games.

On Thursday afternoon, the atmosphere at YRHS was vibrant as two girls’ basketball teams prepared for a friendly competition. The home team, Yorkton, was set to host the visiting team from Yale Secondary School in Abbotsford, B.C. Student Charlie Szabo remarked on the similarities between the two groups. “I thought it was going to be more different, but they’re pretty much like us,” he said. “Some of the stuff that they do in their high school is probably a bit different than ours, but they seem like they’re pretty similar to us.”

Experiences Canada is a domestic exchange initiative funded by the federal government, designed to promote cultural exchange among Canadian youth. The program aims to allow participants to explore their country through reciprocal exchanges. The group from B.C. applied to the program in September, and excitement grew as the visit approached. Roby Sharpe, YRHS’s student activity advisor, expressed satisfaction with the successful organization of the event. “It’s one of those things where you apply, and then… we were hoping it was all going to happen,” he said.

The selection of basketball teams for the exchange was strategic, as both teams consist of twelve players. Sharpe explained, “We have a young team, so we thought it’s a nice way to team build for the future.” With only two veteran Grade 12 players, the exchange provides an opportunity for younger athletes to gain experience.

The B.C. students arrived in Saskatchewan, with Sloane Mason describing the prairie landscape as “really flat” and noting the vast distances. Despite concerns about the cold, she found the weather to be manageable upon arrival. “It was -30 C, which is pretty cold. But today is not that bad,” Mason shared, expressing her eagerness to meet YRHS basketball players.

The teams will spend five days together, including basketball games on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, they plan an outdoor day to showcase Yorkton’s winter activities, which will involve skating, ice fishing, tobogganing, and a bonfire. “We’ll do a roast, sleigh ride, stuff like that,” Sharpe explained. The exchange wraps up with the B.C. team returning to their school on Monday.

As the students mingled during the potluck, they quickly formed connections, cheering for one another as they answered questions from CTV News. Looking ahead, YRHS students are scheduled to visit Abbotsford in February 2024. Evia McDowell from YRHS expressed her excitement about the upcoming trip. “I want to go hiking. And I love the mountains, so I feel like I just want to breathe that mountain air,” she said, adding that she is eager to experience basketball in British Columbia.

This exchange program not only fosters athletic skills but also builds friendships and cultural awareness among young Canadians, illustrating the spirit of unity and exploration within the nation.