Currently, the MRA has 9 signature events that we sponsor and support each year. These events are a cross section of different sports and recreation activities but also serve different demographics throughout the Mackenzie region.
Over the years the MRA signature events have grown in number and size but the signature event goal and purpose has remained consistent:
The Wolfpack Basketball Tournament is held in Fort Simpson in January or February and has been running for over 10 years. Most teams are youth teams, but there are "Open" adult teams as well. The age divisions are usually Jr. and Sr.Boys and Jr. and Sr. Girls.
age range: 12 and up
This swim event is open to all levels of swimmers (non-swimmers, beginners to advanced). It is a fun swim event which includes a variety of games, opportunities, and events throughout the weekend such as: water smart, fun races, competitive races, synchronize swimming, floating movie, life guarding activities, water sport sampling, and more. The event is held in Fort Smith.
age range: 8 - 16
The Paul Stipdonk Soccer Tournament is a fun competition for youth and young adults held in Fort Simpson in February. Teams are often composed of mixed community youth so that all can participate in a collegiate environment where skills are honed.
age range: 7-14
The Connie Loutit Soccer Tournament is all about giving athletes the opportunity to play soccer and it's a great warm up tournament to attend prior to super soccer. It is held in February or March in Fort Simpson.
age range: 11 and up
The Mackenzie Youth Summer Games (MYSG) is a multi-sport activity camp that is usually held in July or August. It's an annual multi-community sport festival that rotates between communities and has included a combination of the following activities: canoeing, soccer, swimming, golf, frisbee golf, mini Olympics, bubble soccer, field games, basketball, traditional games, and dance.
age range: 6-18
The Mackenzie Youth Dene Games (MYDG) usually takes place in July or August. The MYDG was established as an annual multi-community sport festival that rotates between communities. Events typically include: canoe races, dene baseball, tug-of-war, archery/bow arrow, ring toss, spear throw, and other dene games that are special or specific to the host region. At the MYDG, youth have the opportunity to practice skills in traditional games familiar to them as well as learn new ones.
age range: 9-18
The Lawrie Hobart Volleyball Tournament is held in Fort Smith in October the weekend after Thanksgiving. The focus of the tournament is competition and like the SMASH IT tournament there is opportunity for official development as well. As an added benefit, participants will enjoy additional sport activities and healthy food promotion throughout the event during "free time".
age range: 12 and up
The Scott McAdam Badminton Tournament is held in Hay River in either December. It is geared to beginners, as well as advanced players. It provides an opportunity to learn advanced skills, and to learn new strategies for competitive play. As an added benefit, participants will enjoy additional sport activities and healthy food promotion throughout the event during "free time".
age range: 9 and up
The Smash It competition is a fun volleyball tournament for youth and young adults held in Behchoko . In addition to the tournament there is professional development training sessions for referees, linesmen, and scorekeepers.
age categories: 14U, 16U, 19U & Open