On February 13, the gymnasium at Elsie Roy Elementary was filled with laughter, cheers and blowing whistles as students took part in a very special physical education lesson. The sport? Rugby. The instructors? Olympic athletes of Canada’s Women Rugby Sevens team! 

Every year, Rugby Canada provides VSB students with free tickets to a rugby sevens game. Leading up to game day, several Olympic silver medalists visited the school to teach students about the joy and excitement of sport. 

Students were divided into four teams, identified by the brightly-coloured flags used for this version of rugby. Once the rules were explained, the teams were ready and the whistle blew, it was game on! 

Students whizzed around the gym in every direction, cheering with every caught pass and stolen flag. Not only physically thrilling, they also learned the importance of teamwork and hard work. Next, it was time for the athletes to join the fun! 

Teaming up with each group, the Olympic athletes showed off their skills as they taught students a few of their techniques. Smiles and laughter echoed off the walls as students enjoyed a hands-on introduction to a new sport. 

“I really like rugby, it was so fun,” says Diala, a Grade 5 student at Elsie Roy. “I really liked catching people’s flags.” 

“It’s pretty cool,” adds Leo, another Grade 5 student at Elsie Roy. 

The day concluded with athletes signing autographs and sharing their journey to the Olympics. There was even a special viewing of their shiny silver medals! 

“We’re just kind of introducing the kids to rugby for the first time. Some of them have never heard of the sport before,” says Piper Logan, a player for Team Canada. “I think it’s a sport that most people get introduced to later in life. A lot of us got started in high school, and I think that's why we come into the elementary schools to get kids in a little bit sooner.” 

“We’re getting all these kids to come watch us next Friday, and it’s going to be a really awesome event,” adds Alysha Corrigan, another player for Team Canada. 

As students shuffled out of the gym and onto the rest of their day, the lessons they learned will remain: sports are for everyone, teamwork is the key to success and it’s always fun to try something new.