At Queneesh Elementary School, recess is more than just a break in the school day — it’s an opportunity for students to build social networks, stay active, and feel connected to their community.

Located within British Columbia’s Comox Valley School District, Queneesh Elementary serves a diverse student population with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Many families in the school community face economic challenges, and the school also supports a growing number of English Language Learners. Despite these challenges, the school community is known for being welcoming, resilient, and deeply appreciative of opportunities that help students feel included and engaged.

“Queneesh Elementary is a diverse, community-focused school serving students from a range of backgrounds,” said Vice-Principal Judi Ayers. “Our students bring a wide variety of experiences, and for many, the school provides important opportunities for access to activities, resources, and social connection.”

One of the school’s biggest priorities is creating positive experiences during unstructured times such as recess. While many students naturally connect through play, others benefit from additional support with social interaction and engagement. Accessible and inclusive sports activities have become an important way to help students build confidence, friendships, and healthy habits.

As part Sportspay Foundation’s ongoing donation program to primary schools, they recently supplied new sports equipment to Queneesh Elementary, including a badminton set, soccer ball, volleyball, and basketball. The impact was immediate!

“Our students are very active and eager to participate in sports,” Ayers explained. “Soccer and basketball are always popular during our two daily 30-minute recess periods, but the introduction of badminton has been especially exciting.”

Within just two days of setting up the badminton net, students were lining up for turns to play. The enthusiasm was so strong that the school’s Parent Advisory Council stepped in to donate two additional outdoor badminton nets, allowing more students to participate at the same time.

The new equipment has provided students with positive and healthy ways to spend their recess time while encouraging physical activity and supporting mental well-being. Activities such as badminton have proven especially valuable because they are easy to learn and inclusive for students of all skill levels.

“We’ve already seen students forming new connections through play,” said Ayers. “It creates natural opportunities for students to connect with one another.”

For English Language Learners and students who may find social situations challenging, sports can provide a universal way to communicate and connect. The shared experience of play helps break down barriers and creates a stronger sense of belonging within the school community.

At Queneesh Elementary, the excitement surrounding the arrival of a badminton set is about much more than sport. It reflects the school’s commitment to inclusion, wellness, and creating opportunities for every child to thrive in their environment.