The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is calling on Sandy Bay youth and adult basketball teams to register by January 15, 2026, for the 2026 Winterfest tournament at Lake Manitoba School, running January 29 to February 1. The event offers a regional competition for teams from Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and across the 34 SCO member Nations.
Teams must register through the Southern Chiefs’ Organization events coordinator before the January 15 deadline. SCO typically offers supports such as fee waivers and travel assistance for youth teams under its ‘Spirit of the Games’ wellness initiative; teams should contact the events coordinator to confirm fees and available supports.
“The Games are the physical health part of the four-directions teachings… healthy body, healthy soul, healthy mind, and healthy spirit,” reads the SCO philosophy statement on holistic wellness. A Sandy Bay community engagement message states: “Our goal is to make a difference in your life and those around you. Don’t just stand on the sideline, get engaged in your community.” Craig Beaulieu, SCO’s Youth Mentorship Coordinator, has helped lead youth programming in Sandy Bay.
Winterfest brings together competitive brackets for various age groups, promoting community recreation and safe outlets for youth engagement. Hosting the tournament at Lake Manitoba School also highlights recent facility upgrades and reflects the connection to Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean (Chief of Lake Manitoba First Nation) and the SCO’s emphasis on community-based youth engagement through sport.
