On February 11, 2026, a team of athletes from Niverville Middle School traveled to Winnipeg, Manitoba, to compete in a regional basketball tournament to help students with disabilities build confidence and learn new skills.
The group of about 12 students took part in the event held at Sport Manitoba, which was organized by Special Olympics Manitoba. This tournament is part of a new program started in January 2026 to help students aged 13 to 21 get involved in competitive sports.
The students were supported by a team of coaches and school staff who traveled with them on a dedicated Hanover School Division bus. Funding for the trip came from the school athletics budget and a recent increase in provincial grants for programs that focus on including all students in school activities.
School leaders say the goal of the program is to make sure every student has a chance to be part of a team and feel a sense of pride. This competition gives local students a rare opportunity to play in a professional facility while building their social skills with students from other communities.
