by Karina Hunter

Marathon/Manitouwadge Youth Justice Committee (YJC) Program Coordinator Isobel Noble was pleased with an impressive turnout at each of two area Volleyball Fun Nights she organized to introduce teens to the police men and women they might not otherwise recognize as potential role models, mentors and even friends. 

The first sports evening was held in Marathon a week ago when approximately 30 teens played against police in a casual volleyball game with no adult participants outside those invited to represent law enforcement. The event was a great success as the kids and cops joked with each other, making jabs at each other’s skills (or for some lack thereof) and worked towards building positive relationships. 
 

Manitouwadge/Marathon OPP Sergeant tries to secure a win for the law enforcement team by handcuffing Wolverine's Junior Girls Star Tessa Lanteigne.

Bonding between kids and cops continued this Friday in Manitouwadge, approximately 40 students came out to the high school gymnasium to play against officers and staff from the Marathon/Manitouwadge Youth Justice Committee, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Marathon/Manitouwadge Detachment and Anishnawbek Police Services (APS). A large crowd of parents filled the stands in anticipation of the fun with several teachers and coaches from the school also attending. Kids and cops shared plenty of laughs, trying serves and skills they admitted to having admired on televised games.  Noble was very appreciative of the support from Manitouwadge, Marathon and Pic River officers who stayed well past the originally scheduled 90 minute game time allowing all the kids to have an opportunity to play.  

A short survey from Noble was filled out by the teens entering themselves into a free draw; Brandon Sullivan was the lucky participant whose name was drawn, winning him an I-Pod.  While the games were played, on duty OPP Sergeant Gord Ewald coached his team from the bleachers, using the opportunity to speak with kids and their parents.

Noble is looking forward to a possible re-match in the spring pointing out that the interest from both sides is clearly present. As for who won, the kids of course! Though this is not only a reflection of points scored but also one of the incredible amount of support they received from parents, teachers, coaches and the Falcon’s and Wolverine’s newest fans, staff and officers from the YJC, OPP and APS personnel.