Saturday sees a focus on sport across Canada, from grassroots to high-level performance, as communities nationwide celebrate Sports Day.

Kamloops will host family friendly festivities at the Tournament Capital Centre between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And Kamloops has earned the distinction of being the only city in B.C. to have its Sports Day broadcast live on CBC.

It’s the third anniversary of Sports Day, and the gymnastics centre at the TCC will host a free open house “try it” day between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The River City Racers Speed Skating Club will do the same.

Guests will also have the chance to watch an outdoor roller derby scrimmage in a family-friendly, alcohol-free setting.

Local members and skaters from around B.C. will receive pledges for the Jumpstart program and Kidsport Kamloops, charities that help children play sports they could not otherwise afford.

The TCC will also set up a climbing wall, an inflatable obstacle course, and have face painting and numerous sport stations including tae-kwon do, track and field, soccer, rugby and more. There will be a free swim at the pool from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Information about different kids’ camps and sport leagues in Kamloops will be available, and there will be free cake.

The event also celebrates the TCC’s fifth anniversary. 

There are good reasons to be involved in sport.

Minister of Finance Michael de Jong said, “Whether you are a beginner or an elite competitor, the lessons learned through sport help us build stronger, healthier communities across the province.” 

Friday marks nationwide Jersey Day, where everyone is encouraged to participate by sporting their favourite jersey, team or club uniform to school, work or play.

CBC Sports will celebrate the week leading up to the event by profiling inspirational tales of Canadians and communities in sport.

Sports Day is presented by CBC Sports, ParticipACTION and True Sport, alongside national sporting organizations. For the first time this year, the event has partnered with the B.C. Ministry of Health.

For more information visit www.cbcsports.ca/sportsday.