Susan Hengen, Recreation Programmer

The communities of Kipling and Windthorst showcased their hospitality last weekend as they hosted 21 teams from all over Saskatchewan in the 2008 SBA Twiliters Provincial Championship Tournament. Play began at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4th, with the weekend wrapping up Sunday evening. In the A Event, Lockwood clinched top spot, defeating the Dinsmore Kings in an exciting 5-2 game. The A Event Consolation spot was claimed by Moosomin. The B Event was captured by the Parkland Padres over the Regina Drifters, with a score of 9-6. The B Event Consolation title went to the Riverhurst Thumpers.

In the C Event, the final game was a nail biter for local fans as the Kipling Knights challenged Sask Alta in a 12-11 loss. Consolation title was claimed by the Kindersley Klippers. Kipling Park and Recreation, along with the Windthorst Recreation Board wishes to thank the many volunteers involved in hosting this event. Special thanks to Bob Balogh and Merv Daku for stepping up to the plate and assisting with unexpected umpire duties, as well as Mark Toppings, our Umpire in Chief. Additional thanks to our Game Announcers and Scorekeepers: Larry Lesiuk, Mike Kearns, Dirk Balon, Emile Balogh, Frank Lyons, Dan Hengen, Devon Shackleton, Ashley Hengen, Willie Lyons, Bill Hengen, Bryan Kuntz, Murray Hextall, Kevin Kapell and Dwight Larsen.

There is still room in the July 21-Aug.1 and August 4-15 sessions for swimming lessons at the Kipling and District Swimming Pool. We will also be running the Bronze Cross and Medallion - call Jordan at the Pool for more information 736-2707. Please check the Town of Kipling website for the 2008 Kipling Swimming Pool schedule: www.townofkipling.ca

Kipling Swimming Pool is hosting a Diving Clinic on Monday, July 28 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for beginners and experienced divers alike. The clinic is open to children, youth and adults. If you would like to learn basic diving techniques or can handle some more sophisticated dives, this clinic is for you! Call the Kipling Swimming Pool to register 736-2707. Cost to participate in the clinic is $7.00/person.

The Children’s Summer Program runs weekly throughout the entire summer. The program features games, crafts, special visitors and a ton of fun! There is no cost for children to participate, and the program is open to children 4-12 years of age. Each morning generally begins at Bell Park (the Kipling Youth Centre or Kipling Arena in case of inclement weather) at 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Afternoon activities run from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Up-to-date schedules are featured weekly in The Citizen as well as on the Town of Kipling website. This year’s Summer Program Coordinators are Ashley Hengen, Chelsea Lyons and Devon Shackleton. The Children’s Summer Program is also a partnership between the Kipling Library and Kipling Museum, involving both facilities in activities each week. For more information, call the Rec Office at 736-8440.

Kipling Parks and Recreation is hosting Summer Slam on August 19-21 at the Kipling School Gymnasium. Summer Slam is a 3-day volleyball skills camp for males and females ages 12 and up. Athletes will be grouped as follows: 12-14 years; ages 15 years and up. Fee for the camp is $50.00 and includes 6 sessions of instruction, a camp t-shirt and nutrition break snacks. Pre-registration is necessary by July 15th. For more information and/or a registration form, call Susan at the Rec Office 736-8440. Register now to avoid disappointment, as the camp is capped at 60 registrations!

Commitment, by its nature, frees us from ourselves and, while it stands us in opposition to some, it joins us with others similarly committed. Commitment moves us from the mirror trap of the self-absorbed to the freedom of a community of shared values. Michael Lewis