Extra-curricular sport offerings in schools have expanded well beyond varsity sport thanks to the efforts of School Sport NL which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Before 1970s, school sport in this province was largely limited to varsity sport in larger centres like St. John’s , including storied athletic rivalries between teams like St. Bon’s and the Feildians.

Executive Director of School Sport NL, Karen Richard says for rural areas of the province it was much more challenging to offer organized school-based sports programs.

That’s all changed, and Richard says the offerings now go well beyond the usual team sports like basketball and volleyball to attract a different set of students who might not be attracted to more traditional programs.

Some foundation sports like cross-country skiing and wrestling are making a comeback, while other sports like ultimate frisbee, mountain biking and golf are gaining in popularity.