Thanks to funding from The Ministry Education's Ontario 150 Project, each elementary school within the Kenora Catholic District School Board received funding to enhance their playgrounds with a new Gaga Ball Pit. The pits are a popular attraction on the playgrounds, where you will see all different ages of children playing together, engaging in physical activity, laughing and having fun.
Charlie, a Grade five student from Ecole Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys, explains how to play the sport. "You've got to make sure not to get hit with the ball below your waist. You've got to try to hit the ball with your hand, trying to hit the other players out. You want to be the last one standing in the pit, but you've got to eliminate all the other players."
The sport has become so popular at Pope John Paul II School that the school has had to implement a scheduling process to ensure that all students have a chance to play Gaga Ball.
Grade five student Sophie talks about why she likes the game. "I like hitting someone out with the ball." Tristan, also a Grade five student feels the same way. "It's really fun getting people out."
The year 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of both the confederation of Canada and the establishment of the province of Ontario. As part of the 150th Anniversary Celebration, the Ministry of Education provided funding opportunities for school boards to participate in an elementary school playground enhancement program and a secondary school celebration program.