More kids are enjoying the sport of basketball in Weyburn.

This is all thanks to the efforts of a national program organized by local coordinators.

Community coordinator Kevin Butz said the Steve Nash Basketball Program has provided an outlet for kids to play the sport.

"If I can say one thing for this program in the last four years, I've seen more kids bring basketballs to school and play basketball on our basketball court than I did in the six previous years that I've been teaching at Assiniboia Park," he said.

"The Raptors have obviously sparked an interest in basketball in this country and I would say that this program has also sparked an interest in basketball in our community and as well as the communities that also run the program."

The purpose of bringing the program to the city four years ago was so students could get an early start at the sport.

"We just wanted our kids to have an opportunity to learn about the game a little bit earlier," Butz said. "... We want our kids to have a chance to play at that (higher) level so let's get them exposed as quickly as we can."

This weekend, Grade 3 through 6 students will be taking part in final tournaments of the season.

On Saturday, the girls tournaments are as follows:

  • Grade 3 and 4 - Assiniboia Park Elementary School and Haig School
  • Grade 5 and 6  - St. Michael School

On Sunday, the boys tournaments are:

  • Grade 3 and 4 - Haig School and Souris School
  • Grade 5 and 6 - Weyburn Comprehensive School