The 59th edition of the Knights of Columbus Saskatchewan Indoor Games once again did more than introduce young kids to an organized competitive event — it also created a space where community service and youth development intersect in sports, while maintaining the group’s Catholic faith mission.
The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic men’s fraternal organization dedicated to charity, unity, and service, with a focus on supporting youth and families. As an international organization of men at the service of others, the Knights of Columbus have been in Canada since 1897 and in Saskatchewan since 1907
The Knights of Columbus founded the Saskatchewan Indoor Games in the 1960s to give elementary school children a chance to participate in organized sport in a positive, inclusive environment while also promoting a healthy lifestyle.
“Our goal in hosting this meet is to provide the youth of Saskatchewan with positive role models by having the elementary school students compete in the same meet as the international stars. We also provide the students of Saskatchewan schools with the opportunity to meet and talk with these international athletes, about the value of setting goals and overcoming hurdles in life. These international athletes travel to Saskatoon early to visit inner-city schools around Saskatchewan.” – Website for Knights of Columbus Indoor Games
Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus (KC) State Board Advocate Dale Meier said the original vision also included building confidence, teamwork, and discipline at an early age, noting that sport is used as a vehicle for physical, mental, and social growth while reflecting Catholic values through volunteerism and community care, especially to vulnerable members like the youth, elderly and the disadvantaged.
“This has always been about creating a positive, supportive environment. We want young people to experience sport in a way that builds confidence, teamwork, and discipline, while also showing them that their community is invested in their well-being. We as Knights are a charitable organization, and we are willing to help out wherever we can,” said Meier.
Faith plays a quiet but foundational role throughout the event, with volunteers from local KC councils dedicating countless hours to organizing, officiating, and supporting athletes, seeing their service as an expression of their Catholic commitment to charity and stewardship. The Indoor Games serve as a living example of faith put into action through community involvement, say organizers.
Planning committee president Gil Wist, who has been involved with the Indoor Games for a decade, said the event has evolved while staying true to its original purpose. Changes to international and university-level events have kept the competition dynamic. At the same time, additions such as inner-city school relays (which were unfortunately cancelled this year because of bad weather) are a way to expand access to students who might not otherwise have the chance to compete.
“One of the most rewarding parts is seeing kids from different backgrounds come together. For some, this is their first exposure to track and field. For others, it’s a stepping stone that inspires them to continue in sport through high school, university, and even beyond,” said Wist.
The games ran this year from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24, with over 2,000 students participating, and the finals of the meet portion of the games held in categories like men’s and women’s pole vault, long and high jump, shot put, dashes, runs and hurdles. The format provides Saskatchewan youth with positive role models by having elementary school students compete alongside international stars at the same meet.
“The more involved I get with the games, the more I realize how important they are. We conceived of these games more than 60 years ago, and yet I think the need is greater today. Young people benefit from a positive environment where everybody can experience the benefits of sports – physically, mentally and socially. It’s a real honour to be a part of it all,” added Wist.
Behind the organizing committees are members from the Knights of Columbus – more than 100 at this year’s event – who contribute their time and resources to help put on and promote the games. They come to the Saskatoon event from as far away as Regina and Prince Albert, and are supported by their families, councils and communities.
The Knights of Columbus Saskatchewan Indoor Games is one of the few high-level track and field events in Canada that blends international competition, college and high school competitions and elementary school relays.
“This year’s event is truly one for the record books. With more than 2,500 people in attendance, 600 athletes on the field, and almost 400 elementary school relay teams, we witnessed memories that will last a lifetime,” said Indoor Games Executive Director Laura Young in a media release at the conclusion of the 2026 event.
“That’s the legacy of the games, and the reason we put them on in the first place. I’m so grateful that the Knights of Columbus continue to embrace this tradition, and I look forward to next year’s event,” she said.
One of the most distinctive features of the Indoor Games is the shared space between young students and elite competitors. Elementary relay teams return on the final day to race alongside university and international athletes, allowing children to see firsthand what dedication and perseverance can achieve.
Many athletes who once competed as children have gone on to university programs and even international competition, a progression Wist said underscores the long-term impact of early encouragement.
World indoor shot-put champion Sarah Mitton from Nova Scotia was one of 30 high-performance athletes competing in the international invitational meet this year. Competing in the shot-put finals Jan. 24, Mitton took home first place with a 20.22-metre throw. This performance has her currently placed as the number one shot performance in the world.
Nigerian sprinter Usheoritse Itsekiri earned a top-place finish in the men’s 60-metre dash with a 6.69-second performance, one split second ahead of Canadian Eliezer Adjibi, who clocked in at 6.70.
For the Knights of Columbus, the Indoor Games are a living expression of faith in action, say organizers. Volunteers see their service—organizing races, officiating events, and supporting families—as an extension of their Catholic commitment to charity and stewardship.
As the Games continue into their seventh decade, Meier said their enduring value lies in how they blend faith, service, and sport, ensuring the Knights of Columbus Indoor Games remain a meaningful tradition that strengthens both bodies and communities in Saskatoon year after year.
