The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The value of organized athletics took centre court when the Flin Flon School Board met Tuesday. Hapnot Collegiate phys ed teacher Rob Abbott delivered a presentation on the high schoolÕs sports program and plans to enhance it. ÒWe believe students who participate in school athletics build a strong sense of belonging to Hapnot and walk away with some very positive high school experiences,Ó read AbbottÕs prepared presentation to the board. Abbott said the schoolÕs goal is to continue to increase participation in athletics, calling it great for school morale and overall student achievement. ÒSuccess breeds success,Ó he said, adding that students who flourish in sports will do so in other areas of their lives. Abbott noted 2007-08 has been a banner year for Hapnot Ð literally Ð with the school bringing home 10 zone banners in sports ranging from golf to wrestling. ÒI truly believe the reason we were successful this year was because of the number of students we have participating,Ó he said, noting that Hapnot teams involve 140 students. The continuation of the sports program, Abbott said, hinges on three factors: student fees, fundraising and financial support from the board. ÒWe appreciate every single dollar that we get from the board as far as athletics, and we know the support we have,Ó he told the trustees. Mentioning ideas for the future, Abbott touched on the possible establishment of a sports league for grade 9 students throughout the region and the use of private sponsorships. The school is also looking to reduce student fees to make sports more accessible, he said. In a strong show of support for the athletics program, a dozen Hapnot athletes joined Abbott, speaking about their experiences and plans for the future.
