St. Sebastian Sports Program Kicks Off at Lakeland Catholic

Students take to the ice and court as expanded multi-sport skill development gets underway

BONNYVILLE – Months of planning and anticipation became reality Tuesday as students took to the ice and court for the first day of Lakeland Catholic School Division’s expanded St. Sebastian Sports Program.

Students began hockey and volleyball sessions, marking the official start of a program designed to give young athletes more opportunities to develop their skills during the school day.

And this is only the beginning. A total of 179 students are currently enrolled in St. Sebastian, with hockey and volleyball kicking off the program and soccer, softball and golf still to come throughout the school year.

Building on Lakeland Catholic’s longstanding hockey programming with the Bonnyville Pontiacs, St. Sebastian expands that foundation into a multi-sport skill development program. Hockey programming is available for students in Grades 5–12, with additional sports offered across Grades 5–9.

“Seeing St. Sebastian come to life today was a proud moment,” said Jeff Cey, Vice Principal of École Dr. Brosseau Catholic School. “There has been a tremendous amount of excitement around this program, and now our students are experiencing it firsthand. We’re giving them dedicated time to develop their skills, challenge themselves and grow through sport. What we’re building with St. Sebastian will have a lasting impact on our students and our school community.”

At the heart of St. Sebastian is a commitment to developing the whole student, using sport as an opportunity for growth that reaches far beyond athletic skill.

“At Lakeland Catholic, we believe education is about developing the whole child — academically, physically and spiritually,” said Sheldon Germain, Superintendent of Lakeland Catholic School Division. “St. Sebastian creates another opportunity for students to discover their God-given gifts, pursue their passions and develop the discipline, confidence and character that will serve them well beyond sport. It is a powerful example of what we mean when we say, ‘Training the body. Forming the heart.’”

Hockey skill development continues with coaching from the Bonnyville Pontiacs, while Tyson Watters leads volleyball programming. Sessions take place at the Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre, whose support helps make these opportunities possible for students close to home.

Lakeland Catholic is grateful to the community partners and supporters helping make the St. Sebastian Sports Program possible: MPI Oilfield, the Bonnyville Pontiacs, the Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre and the Bonnyville Golf & Country Club.

Registration remains open until September 30, 2026. Visit the St. Sebastian Sports Program webpage to learn more, register and view the full gallery.