Field with cedar and fir trees and the community centre and school buildings

Indoor Sports at the School Gym

MAYNE ISLAND, BC – September 26, 2025 – The Mayne Island Community Centre Society (MICCS) is excited to announce a new partnership with the Mayne Island School to provide indoor sports programming for the community. MICCS has secured a rental of the school gym, thanks in part to sponsorship from Mayne Island Parks and Recreation.

Every Saturday (except November 15) from October 18* to December 27, the gym at the Mayne Island School will be a hub for community activity. This initiative aims to offer a variety of sports and recreational opportunities, providing a much-needed indoor space for residents of all ages to stay active during the cold, dark, and wet fall and early winter months.

“We are thrilled about this collaboration with the Mayne Island School,” says Lloyd Markle, a representative from MICCS. “This partnership provides a fantastic space for sports and offers the entire community a great place to stay fit, have fun, and meet people. We are grateful for the support from Mayne Island Parks and Recreation which made this rental possible.”

The programming schedule, with details about what sports are offered, will be announced in the coming weeks. MICCS encourages community members to keep an eye on mayneislandcommunitycentre.com and facebook for updates.

This partnership is a big step toward expanding recreational opportunities on Mayne Island, ensuring that residents, especially our youth, have access to engaging and healthy activities year-round. If the fall program is successful, MICCS and the Mayne Island School hope to continue offering indoor sports into the 2026 winter and spring seasons.

[*] Due to a limitation in MICCS bylaws, youth activities will start on October 25th. This program is one of the reasons MICCS is updating its bylaws.

About the Mayne Island Community Centre: The Mayne Island Community Centre is a non-profit organization. Our mission is: To own and operate a sustainable facility for the benefit of Mayne Island residents and visitors and to encourage participation in community activities.

About the Mayne Island School: The Mayne Island School is committed to providing a nurturing educational environment for youth on the Island. This partnership reflects its dedication to supporting youth and the broader community.

About Mayne Island Parks and Recreation: The Mayne Island Parks and Recreation Service is a community park network managed and operated by volunteers who sit on the Mayne Island Parks & Recreation Commission. These volunteer commissioners manage community parks, shore accesses, and trails on Mayne Island.

Mayne Island Parks Logo

FAQ

  1. Why is MICCS renting the school gym? Indoor sports are a safer alternative when muddy fields and slippery courts make playing outside risky during the cold, dark, and wet winter months. By renting the school gym and making it accessible to the community, MICCS can provide a safe, warm, and dry space to stay active. This program directly supports the MICCS motto: “A great place to stay fit, learn new things, have fun and meet people!”
  2. What times and days are available? The gym is available on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm from October 18 to December 27, with the exception November 15. Youth activities will start October 25.
  3. How much does it cost? MICCS offers this service to benefit the community. To participate, you must be a member of MICCS. If you are able, a suggested donation of $1 or $2 at drop-in will help make this program sustainable for the future.
  4. How can I participate? If you are a member of MICCS, you are ready to go. Take a look at the schedule (coming soon!), drop in, and play!
  5. How can I host a sport for my community group and friends? Sign up using the Google Form. MICCS is currently arranging the schedule and will do their very best to fit everyone in. The school requires that sports facilitators complete a criminal record check with the school and keep a log of who participated in the activity. The Community Centre will gladly assist with these details.
  6. Do I need to purchase insurance to participate? The facilitator and participants will be covered by MICCS insurance so long as you meet three requirements: 1) all participants are members of MICCS, 2) you host your sport as a volunteer (ie. you are not paid), and 3) you encourage community participation.
  7. What kind of sports are available? This depends on who signs up to facilitate. The details and schedule are still being worked out but if you would like to host a sport, let MICCS know by filling out our Google Form.
  8. Do I need to bring my own equipment? This will depend on the type of sport you’d like to host. The school does have some equipment and MICCS will be happy to work with you to see what is available and how it could be used.
  9. Can I bring my children? Yes, please do! MICCS wants to get the whole community active, and is hoping to include plenty of family-friendly sports on the schedule. While a few sessions may be adult-only, MICCS is actively encouraging facilitators to offer a variety of sports for all ages and skill levels to play together.