Surrey RCMP basketball players present School Spirit Award to Sunnyside Elementary
From left, Surrey RCMP Staff Sgt. Mike Spencer, Sgt. JJ Jarjoura, coach Ashley Sarai, Grade 7 students Jacob Huang and Brandon Danyliuk, coaches Kelly Gardin and Blaine Mandin, Const. Gurmeet Vahra and Cpl. Shawn Blakeway. The Surrey RCMP presented Sunnyside Elementary with the School Spirit Award for students' positive attitudes and sportsmanship during a series of basketball games as part of the RCMP's School Sports Program. (Photo by Jacob Zinn)
While the Surrey RCMP often play games of five-on-five with Grade 7 students, they left their rivalry on the court Wednesday when they presented Sunnyside Elementary with the School Spirit Award.
During the Grade 7 year-end student assembly, Team RCMP made an unexpected announcement, surprising Sunnyside students with a trophy in recognition of their positive attitude and sportsmanship following a series of basketball games earlier this spring.
“The kids were very surprised, it’s such a nice honour,” said principal Brandi Scott. “We pride ourselves on school spirit and we have a strong leadership team at the school that instills that passion in our students.”
The basketball games were part of the Surrey RCMP’s School Sports Program, in which police officers connect with Grade 7 girls and boys at 10-12 elementary schools in a sport of their choice, fostering positive relationships before they enter secondary school. The program has been running for more than 16 years and has been a staple at Sunnyside for the past four years.
“They like the competition here and the level of engagement with the kids and we welcome them to come and play,” said Scott. “We like building the community spirit between the RCMP and making positive connections with the kids.”
“The students look forward to it every year,” said vice-principal Jas Kooner. “We have a strong team, the Grade 7s are really good and they gave them a run for their money.”
While there’s a healthy sense of competition, the games are all in good fun and are often a spectacle for the Sunnyside community.
“It’s like a mini Harlem Globetrotter game – they ham it up a lot, our referees are really casual, they engage with the kids, they sign jerseys,” said Scott. “There’s an interactive component with the rest of the student body while promoting athletics at the school.”
Scott said the police officers do a great job relating to students, and she’s excited for students to bring the spirit next year as the Grade 7s go head to head with the RCMP once again.
“The Sunnyside school community is very grateful for the opportunity to play against the RCMP and to be recognized for its school spirit with this award,” she said. “We really appreciate them taking the time to engage with our students and put on such a fun event every year.”
Congratulations, Sunnyside Elementary, on receiving the Surrey RCMP’s School Spirit Award!
