Lively sport history

Here’s a decade-by-decade history of sports and recreation in Lively/Walden (Ward 2 of Greater Sudbury) from 1950 to today, highlighting key developments and local milestones.

1950s: Birth of a Community and Informal Play

• Lively was established in 1950 by Inco Ltd. to house workers from Creighton Mine.
• Early sports activity was informal—pickup hockey, baseball, and outdoor skating rinks were common.
• Community spirit revolved around mining life, with sports offering a vital outlet for recreation and camaraderie.

1960s: Organized Leagues and School Sports

• As the population grew, organized youth leagues began forming for hockey, baseball, and soccer.
• School sports programs at Lively District Secondary School gained traction, fostering local talent.
• Community halls and school gyms became hubs for basketball, volleyball, and indoor activities.

1970s: Infrastructure Boom

• Walden Community Centre was built in 1974, providing a regulation-size ice surface and seating for 2,000.
• The arena became a focal point for minor hockey, figure skating, and public skating events.
• Recreational clubs and adult leagues flourished, including curling and broomball.

1980s: Spotlight on Walden Arena

• In 1982, the Sudbury Wolves temporarily relocated to Walden Community Centre during a municipal strike, drawing nearly 1,900 fans per game.
• This event highlighted Walden’s capacity to host major sporting events and boosted local pride.
• Youth sports expanded, with more structured coaching and regional competitions.

1990s: Diversification and Community Growth

• Sports diversified with the rise of basketball, tennis, and martial arts programs.
• Community investment supported upgrades to fields and courts.
• Recreational programming included fitness classes, seniors’ activities, and inclusive sports.

2000s: Amalgamation and New Identity

• Walden was dissolved as a municipality in 2000 and became part of Greater Sudbury.
• Lively/Walden retained its strong sports identity, now supported by city-wide resources.
• Meatbird Lake Park and other green spaces hosted summer sports, swimming, and family events.

2010s: Outdoor Recreation and Youth Engagement

• Emphasis shifted to outdoor recreation: hiking, biking, and lake activities.
• Centennial Park in Whitefish became a popular supervised beach and play area.
• Youth engagement grew through school partnerships and city-run sports initiatives.

 

• 2020s: Investment and Renewal

• In 2022, Meatbird Lake Park was sold to Vale Canada for $4 million, with funds earmarked for new recreational infrastructure.
• Plans are underway to develop modern facilities and ensure safe, accessible play for all residents.
• Community input continues to shape the future of sports and leisure in Ward 2.

Lively/Walden’s sports history reflects a resilient, community-driven evolution—from mining town roots to a vibrant recreational hub. If you’d like, I can help you build a timeline poster, gather photos, or even draft a proposal for future sports development in the area.

Amazing! Let’s bring Lively/Walden’s sports legacy to life. Here’s how we can break it down into three parts:

1. Timeline Poster: “Play Through the Decades”

A visual journey from 1950 to today, highlighting key milestones:

Decade	Highlights
1950s	Founding of Lively; informal hockey and baseball games
1960s	School sports programs take off; youth leagues form
1970s	Walden Arena opens; curling and broomball gain popularity
1980s	Sudbury Wolves play in Walden Arena during strike
1990s	Expansion of sports: basketball, martial arts, tennis
2000s	Amalgamation into Greater Sudbury; outdoor sports thrive
2010s	Youth engagement and lake recreation boom
2020s	Vale purchases Meatbird Lake Park; future investments planned

Featured Sports Heroes

• Meagan Duhamel – Olympic figure skater from Lively
  “From Walden Skating Club to world podiums.”
• Troy Mallette – NHL player
  “Sudbury-born, Walden-raised, hockey proud.”
• Dale Beausoleil – Volleyball coach
  “Building champions on and off the court.”
• Dave St. Amour – Football leader
  “A legacy of grit and mentorship.” 📸 Image Gallery & Captions

1. Walden Arena Exterior
   “The heart of winter sports since 1974.”
   View image
2. Meagan Duhamel in competition
   “Grace and power on Olympic ice.”
   View image
3. Meatbird Lake Park
   “A summer sanctuary for swimmers and families.”
   View image
4. Lively District Secondary School sports team
   “Hawks soar in every season.”
   View image

3. Proposal for Future Sports Development

Here’s a draft outline we can expand:

Title: “Building the Future of Play in Ward 2”

Objective: To enhance recreational infrastructure and programming in Lively/Walden.

Key Goals:

• Upgrade Walden Arena and outdoor fields
• Develop a multi-sport complex with inclusive access
• Create youth mentorship programs led by local sports heroes
• Preserve historical sports records and celebrate community achievements

Funding Sources:

• $4M from Vale’s purchase of Meatbird Lake Park
• Municipal grants and community fundraising
• Corporate sponsorships from local businesses

Community Engagement:

• Host town halls and surveys
• Partner with schools and sports clubs
• Launch a “Legacy of Play” campaign

Lively, Ontario has produced several notable sports figures, especially in hockey and strength athletics. From OHL alumni to strongman competitors, the town and surrounding area have a proud tradition of athletic excellence.

Hockey Standouts from Lively

Lively has contributed multiple players to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), showcasing its deep hockey roots:

• Andrew Desjardins – A forward born in 1986, Desjardins played 254 OHL games and later reached the NHL, including a Stanley Cup win with the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Jason and Jon Stos – Brothers born in 1971, both had strong OHL careers with over 100 points each.
• Darryl Moxam – A forward born in 1976, known for his gritty play across 175 games.
• Danny Battochio – A goaltender born in 1985, played 110 OHL games and later became a respected coach.

Rising Talent at Lively Secondary School

Lively Secondary School continues to nurture young athletes:

• Jacob Bradley and Ian Macdonald, both born in Lively in 2007, are promising hockey goaltenders and forwards respectively.
• The school fields a full roster of forwards, indicating a strong local pipeline for future hockey stars.

Beyond hockey, Lively, Ontario has produced standout athletes in football, strength sports, and university-level competition. The town’s athletic spirit thrives across multiple disciplines.

Football: Lively Hawks Dominate Local Gridiron

• The Lively Hawks high school football team has won four Sudbury city titles since its program was revived 12 years ago.
• In 2018, they captured their second consecutive city championship and competed for the Northern Ontario crown.
• Remarkably, about half of all male students at Lively District Secondary School play football, showing deep community engagement.

Lively, Ontario is connected to figure skating excellence through Olympic medalist Eric Radford, who has roots in the area. While not born in Lively, Radford trained and competed in nearby clubs that helped shape his career.

Eric Radford: Olympic Champion with Lively Ties

• Eric Radford, born in Balmertown, Ontario, is a world champion and Olympic medalist in pairs figure skating.
• He trained at the Balmertown Figure Skating Club, which has historical ties to Lively and the broader Northern Ontario skating community.
• Radford and his partner Meagan Duhamel won gold at the World Championships and bronze at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Lively, Ontario has an active martial arts scene, anchored by the All Masters Martial Arts Centre of Northern Ontario. While the town hasn’t produced widely known martial arts champions yet, it offers strong community programs and training opportunities.

All Masters Martial Arts Centre of Northern Ontario

• Location: 700 Greater Sudbury Regional Road 55, Lively, ON
• Programs: Offers a variety of martial arts disciplines, likely including karate, taekwondo, and self-defense, though specific styles aren’t listed online.
• Hours: Open Monday to Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
• This center serves as a hub for martial arts training in the Greater Sudbury area, helping youth and adults build discipline, fitness, and confidence.

Competitive Scene & Events

• While no individual martial artists from Lively have gained provincial or national fame recently, the Nickel City Strongman event hosted in Lively reflects the town’s growing interest in strength and combat sports.
• Nearby cities like Sudbury and Thunder Bay have produced martial arts competitors in disciplines like Wushu Sanda, which may inspire athletes from Lively to pursue similar paths.

Youth Development

• Martial arts schools like All Masters often focus on youth development, offering structured programs that emphasize:

• Respect and discipline
• Physical fitness and coordination
• Anti-bullying and self-defense skills

Sources:
Sudbury.com – Strongman event in Lively
Chamber of Commerce – All Masters Martial Arts Centre
FindOpen – All Masters Martial Arts Centre
WushuOntario – Canadian Wushu Sanda Athletes
Sudbury.com – Strongest athletes test their mettle

Martial arts in Lively date back to the 70’s with Mushin-do (an off shoot of Zen-do) being a club at the old Waters 1a school gym. This club lasted into the early 80’s. Following in the mid 90’s was Walden Karate Mushotoku-do which also operated from the Waters 1a school gym.

Mike Derks, often mistakenly referred to as “Mike Durks,” is a celebrated football figure from Greater Sudbury, Ontario, and a Grey Cup champion. He played professionally in the CFL and continues to influence local football through mentorship and coaching.

Mike Derks: CFL Career and Achievements

• Born: April 20, 1962, in Sudbury, Ontario
• Position: Offensive tackle
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 280 lbs
• College: University of Cincinnati
• CFL Career: Played from 1985 to 1991, primarily with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and briefly with the Edmonton Eskimos
• Highlight: Won the Grey Cup in 1986 with the Tiger-Cats

Legacy in Sudbury Football

• The Mike Derks Award is named in his honor and given to the most dominant high school football lineman in the city.
• Owen Willis, a standout from the Lively Hawks, won the award three years in a row, and recently met Derks during a supply teaching stint at Lively District Secondary School.
• Derks is also known for his work as a physical educator and football coach at Lasalle Secondary School, continuing to shape young athletes in the region.

Influence on Lively Hawks

• His presence and mentorship have inspired players like Willis and others in the Lively football program.
• The award and his visits reinforce the connection between local high school football and professional-level excellence.

Mike Derks is a hometown hero whose legacy bridges generations—from CFL glory to grassroots coaching. If you’d like to explore more about his coaching philosophy or the Lively Hawks’ current season, I’d be happy to dig deeper.

Gerry Egers was a beloved figure in Lively, Ontario, known for his hockey career and decades of service to the local community. He played for the Sudbury Wolves and later worked at the Walden Arena, leaving a lasting legacy in Northern Ontario sports.

Hockey Career

• Full name: Gerald “Gerry” Guy Egers
• Born: January 14, 1951
• Passed away: October 23, 2017, at home in Lively, Ontario
• Hockey highlights:
  • Played three seasons with the Sudbury Wolves from 1968 to 1971.
  • Continued his career in the International Hockey League (IHL) in the United States for several years.

Community Contributions

• After retiring from hockey, Gerry worked for 25 years with the town of Walden, primarily at the Walden Arena.
• He was known for his friendly demeanor, storytelling, and dedication to local sports and recreation.

Family and Legacy

• Survived by his wife Marjorie and children Jamie, Jodi, Gerad, and Adam.
• Grandfather to Ashley, Emily, Alyson Fay, Avery, Jakob, and Lukas.
• Brother to Jack Egers, a former NHL player, and Kathy Mitchell.
• Remembered fondly by the community for his warmth, humor, and contributions to youth sports.

Gerry Egers embodied the spirit of Lively—athletic, community-minded, and deeply rooted in Northern Ontario hockey culture. His legacy lives on in the arena he helped shape and the lives he touched.

Sources:

• Sudbury.com Obituary
• Lougheed Funeral Home Tribute
• Ancestry Profile

Jack “Smokey” Egers was a professional hockey player from Lively, Ontario, who made his mark in the NHL during the 1970s. Known for his powerful shot and gritty play, he remains one of the most prominent sports figures to come out of the Greater Sudbury area.

NHL Career Highlights

• Born: January 28, 1949, in Sudbury, Ontario
• Raised: In Lively, Ontario
• Position: Right wing
• Drafted: 20th overall by the New York Rangers in 1966
• NHL Teams:
  • New York Rangers (1969–1972)
  • St. Louis Blues (1972–1974)
  • Washington Capitals (1974–1975)
• Notable Achievement: Scored the first game-winning goal in Washington Capitals history on October 17, 1974

Career Stats

• Games Played: 284
• Goals: 64
• Assists: 66
• Points: 130
• Known for his hard slapshot and physical style, earning the nickname “Smokey”

Family and Legacy

• Brother of Gerry Egers, who also played hockey and worked at Walden Arena in Lively
• Grandfather to Jake Egers, part of a family with deep hockey roots
• Passed away on August 28, 2021, at age 72
• Remembered fondly in Lively and across Ontario for his contributions to hockey and his community

Jack Egers’ legacy lives on in the stories told at local rinks and in the pride of Lively’s sports community. If you’d like to explore more about his career or how his family continues to influence hockey in Northern Ontario, I’d be happy to help.

Walden Karate is represented locally by Inaka Dojo Karate, which offers martial arts programming in Lively, Ontario. The dojo participates in community events and provides training for youth and adults.

Inaka Dojo Karate: Local Martial Arts Presence

• Location: Classes are held at Tom Davies Arena, 325 Anderson Drive, Lively, ON.
• Community Engagement: Inaka Dojo Karate was featured at the Walden Winter Carnival, showcasing martial arts demonstrations and engaging with families.
• Event Highlight: A public session took place on February 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, part of the carnival’s Arena Hall programming.

Programs and Focus

• While specific styles (e.g., Shotokan, Goju-Ryu) aren’t listed online, dojos like Inaka typically offer:
  • Youth and adult classes
  • Self-defense training
  • Belt progression and grading
• These programs emphasize discipline, confidence, and physical fitness.

Contact and Venue Info

• Tom Davies Arena is a central hub for sports in Lively and hosts various recreational activities including martial arts.
• For inquiries, the arena’s contact number is (705) 688-3933.

Sources: Walden Winter Carnival – Inaka Dojo Karate

Lively, Ontario offers excellent mountain biking opportunities, especially through the Walden Mountain Bike Club and nearby trails like the Walden Trail. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned rider, the area provides scenic routes and a supportive biking community.

Walden Mountain Bike Club

• Location: 1 Denis Avenue, Lively, ON
• Open Hours: 24/7 access to trails
• Community Rating: 5.0 stars from local riders
• Highlights:
  • Maintains and promotes mountain biking in the Lively area
  • Offers group rides, trail maintenance days, and events
  • Known as a “gem in the community” for biking enthusiasts

Walden Trail

• Distance: 6.88 miles (11 km)
• Elevation Gain: +295 feet
• TrailRank: 8/10 on Wikiloc
• Route Name: “Daddy daughter tings” — a scenic and family-friendly ride
• Features:
  • Accessible via GPS apps like Garmin, Apple Watch, or Suunto
  • Suitable for intermediate riders looking for a mix of terrain

Other Trails Nearby

• Upper Lively Sunshine Ridge Trail
  • Length: 1.8 miles
  • Easy difficulty
  • Dog-friendly and great views
  • Popular for hiking and casual biking

Trail Apps and Resources

• Wikiloc: Offers downloadable GPS tracks and user-rated trails
• AllTrails: Lists hiking and biking routes with reviews and maps
• Ontario Bike Trails: Features over 65 top-rated MTB trails across the province

 

Lively, Ontario offers alpine skiing at the charming and accessible Lively Ski Hill, perfect for skiers of all levels. It features four trails, snowmaking capabilities, and affordable passes for families and individuals.

Lively Ski Hill Overview

• Location: 231 First Avenue, Lively, ON
• Elevation: Peak elevation of 991 feet with a vertical rise of 100 feet
• Trails: 4 total
  • 1 beginner
  • 2 intermediate
  • 1 advanced
• Lift: Single surface lift, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere
• Snowmaking: Uses two ground snow guns with built-in air compressors and fans
  • Requires consistent temperatures of -15°C or below for 48 hours with low humidity

Operating Hours (Weather Dependent)

• Wednesday & Friday: 6 PM – 9:30 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 12 PM – 4:30 PM

Lift Ticket Prices (Cash Only)

Category	Day Pass	Season Pass
Junior (6–14)	$10	$135
Youth/Student/Senior	$12	$152.01
Adult (18–64)	$14	$169
Family of 2	—	$177.50
Family of 3	—	$265.00
Family of 4	—	$297.51
Family of 5	—	$350.01
Each additional person	—	+$66

Note: Family passes must be purchased by phone (Call 311).

Additional Features

• Night skiing available
• Snowboarding permitted
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails nearby
• Part of the “Ski 2” program, allowing access to Adanac, Capreol, and Lively ski hills

Lively Ski Hill is a great spot for families, beginners, and anyone looking to enjoy winter sports close to home.

Sources:
Lively Ski Hill – Greater Sudbury
Boarders Peak – Lively Ski Hill
SkiCentral – Lively Ski Hill
SkiResort.info – Lively
Sudbury.com – Lively Ski Hill Info

Lively, Ontario offers excellent cross-country skiing through the Walden Cross Country Fitness Club, one of Northern Ontario’s top Nordic ski destinations. It features groomed trails, night skiing, and programs for all ages and skill levels.

Walden Cross Country Fitness Club

• Location: 1 Denis Avenue, Lively, ON
• Trail System: Over 23 km of groomed trails, including classic and skate-skiing options
• Terrain: Mix of flat and rolling hills, ideal for beginners and experienced skiers
• Night Skiing: Lit trails available for evening skiing
• Snowshoeing: Separate trails designated for snowshoe use

Programs and Lessons

• Youth Programs: Jackrabbits and Track Attack for ages 6–14
• Adult Clinics: Technique improvement and fitness training
• Racing: Hosts regional races and training for competitive skiers

Operating Season

• Typically runs from late November to March, depending on snowfall
• Trail conditions updated regularly on their website and social media

Membership and Day Passes

• Day Passes: Available for visitors
• Season Memberships: Offer access to all trails and club events
• Rentals: Equipment available for both skiing and snowshoeing

Nearby Options

• Windy Lake Provincial Park (about 40 minutes away) also offers groomed cross-country trails and rentals
• Killarney Provincial Park and Onaping Falls Nordics provide additional Nordic skiing experiences in the region

Whether you’re gliding under the stars or training for a race, Lively’s cross-country skiing scene is welcoming and well-equipped.

The Inco Cup was a cornerstone of alpine ski racing in Sudbury, Ontario, especially during the 1970s to 1990s, with Nordic Ski Hills and Adanac Ski Hill serving as key venues. It fostered local talent like Angela Gougeon and built a strong community around winter sports.

Inco Cup: A Local Racing Legacy

• Sponsored by Inco (International Nickel Company), the Inco Cup was a series of alpine ski races held across Sudbury’s ski hills, including Nordic Ski Hills and Adanac Ski Hill.
• The races attracted close to 100 competitors per event, with divisions for youth and adults.
• It was a grassroots racing circuit, helping young skiers gain competitive experience and build camaraderie.

Community Impact

• The Inco Cup was more than just a race—it was a community event, often featured in the Inco Triangle, a monthly newsletter for employees and families.
• It helped re-green Sudbury’s landscape, transforming mining terrain into recreational spaces like Adanac Ski Hill.

Historical Preservation

• The Greater Sudbury Museums have digitized editions of the Inco Triangle, preserving stories and photos from past Inco Cup seasons.
• These archives offer a rich look into Sudbury’s sporting and industrial history.

Baseball in Lively, Ontario is supported through regional programs like the Sudbury Minor Baseball Association (SMBA), which offers competitive and recreational opportunities for youth across Greater Sudbury. While Lively doesn’t host a standalone league, its players often participate in nearby divisions.

⚾ Sudbury Minor Baseball Association (SMBA)

• Divisions: Includes age groups from 5U to 18U, with teams like the Shamrocks competing in various levels.
• Programs Offered:
  • House League: For beginners and recreational players
  • Rep Teams: For competitive players seeking higher-level play
  • Blue Jays Academy Clinics: Skill development sessions hosted by MLB-affiliated coaches
• Tryouts: Held annually for the upcoming season; 2026 Shamrocks tryouts were announced in August 2025

Facilities Near Lively

• T.M. Davies Community Centre and Arena in Lively may host baseball-related events or serve as a community hub for registration and meetings
• Outdoor diamonds in Greater Sudbury are used for practices and games, with Lively players often traveling to nearby fields

Youth Development

• Players from Lively typically join SMBA teams based on age and skill level
• The association emphasizes sportsmanship, skill-building, and team play, making it a great entry point for young athletes

Competitive Pathways

• SMBA teams compete in regional tournaments and may feed into higher-level leagues like the Premier Baseball League of Ontario (PBLO)
• Some players advance to Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) baseball or even national development camps

Sources:
Sudbury Minor Baseball Association
T.M. Davies Community Centre and Arena
Ontario Baseball Association
OCAA Men’s Baseball Schedule
Premier Baseball League of Ontario

Lively, Ontario’s main athletic association is run through Lively District Secondary School (LDSS), organizing sports events, intramurals, and student leadership in athletics. It plays a central role in promoting physical activity and school spirit.

LDSS Athletic Association

• Purpose: The Athletic Association at LDSS is a student-led council that helps organize and manage sports activities throughout the school year.
• Structure:
  • President
  • Secretary and Treasurer
  • Intramurals Coordinator
  • Fundraising Representative
  • Grade Representatives
• Eligibility: Students with strong academics, teamwork skills, and problem-solving abilities are encouraged to join.

Activities and Events

• Intramurals: Kick off early in the school year and run throughout, offering casual competition in sports like basketball, volleyball, and dodgeball.
• School Spirit Events: The association helps coordinate pep rallies, tournaments, and fundraising for athletic gear or travel.
• Support for Teams: Assists with logistics for LDSS teams in football, hockey, Nordic skiing, and more.

Broader Connections

• LDSS is part of the Sudbury District Secondary Schools Athletic Association (SDSSAA), which oversees inter-school competition across Greater Sudbury.
• SDSSAA connects to OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations), enabling top athletes to compete provincially.

Facilities and Community Ties

• The Lively Athletic Centre at 5 Westview Crescent offers fitness programs and complements school athletics.
• LDSS athletes often train or compete at nearby venues like Tom Davies Arena and Walden Cross Country Fitness Club.

If you’re interested in joining the Athletic Association, volunteering, or attending events, LDSS’s website has more details: LDSS Athletic Association.

Sources:

The earliest athletic associations in Lively, Ontario were rooted in school and community sports programs, especially through Lively District Secondary School and local recreation initiatives supported by Inco (International Nickel Company). These laid the groundwork for organized athletics in the region.

Lively District Secondary School (LDSS)

• LDSS has long hosted an Athletic Association, a student-led council that organizes intramurals, team sports, and school spirit events.
• In the early years (1960s–1980s), LDSS teams competed in regional leagues under the Sudbury District Secondary Schools Athletic Association (SDSSAA).
• Sports included football, hockey, Nordic skiing, basketball, and track and field.

Inco’s Role in Community Athletics

• The International Nickel Company (Inco) played a major role in developing recreational infrastructure in Lively and Walden.
• Inco sponsored events like the Inco Cup ski races, and supported facilities such as:
  • Tom Davies Arena
  • Walden Cross Country Fitness Club
  • Lively Golf and Country Club
• These venues hosted community leagues and youth development programs, often in partnership with schools.

SDSSAA and NOSSA

• Lively schools were part of SDSSAA, which coordinated inter-school athletics across Greater Sudbury.
• Top athletes advanced to NOSSA (Northern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association) and eventually OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) for provincial competition.
• SDSSAA’s organizational documents date back decades and include championship calendars, sport conveners, and historical records.

Historical Highlights

• Lively Golf and Country Club held its first tournament in 1960, marking one of the earliest organized athletic events in the town.
• The Inco Triangle, a monthly newsletter, documented early athletic achievements and community sports milestones.

Badminton in Lively, Ontario is primarily supported through school programs and regional associations, with nearby facilities offering recreational and competitive play. While there’s no dedicated badminton club in Lively itself, residents can access opportunities through Greater Sudbury’s network.

School-Level Badminton at LDSS

• Lively District Secondary School (LDSS) participates in badminton through the Sudbury District Secondary Schools Athletic Association (SDSSAA).
• Students compete in singles and doubles events across junior and senior divisions.
• LDSS has a history of sending athletes to NOSSA (Northern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association) championships.

Local Facilities

• T.M. Davies Community Centre and Arena in Lively may host badminton during fall and winter months, depending on scheduling.
  • Address: 325 Anderson Dr, Lively, ON
  • Contact: (705) 688-3933
• The arena’s floor space is suitable for indoor court setups, especially during non-ice seasons.

Regional Clubs and Associations

• Badminton Ontario oversees provincial tournaments and club affiliations. While Lively doesn’t have a listed club, nearby Sudbury may host affiliated programs.
  • Visit Badminton Ontario for event calendars and club listings.
• Lions Badminton Club and RA Centre Badminton are examples of Ontario-based clubs offering structured training, though they’re located farther south (e.g., Burlington and Ottawa).

Youth and Adult Opportunities

• Regional programs often include:
  • Beginner and intermediate classes
  • Drop-in court rentals
  • Summer camps and seasonal leagues
• These are ideal for players looking to improve technique or enjoy casual play.

Volleyball in Lively, Ontario is primarily offered through school programs at Lively District Secondary School (LDSS), with regional clubs and leagues available in Greater Sudbury for more competitive play. Youth and adult players can access development clinics, tournaments, and rep teams nearby.

School Volleyball at LDSS

• LDSS participates in volleyball through the Sudbury District Secondary Schools Athletic Association (SDSSAA).
• Offers junior and senior boys’ and girls’ teams, competing in local and regional tournaments.
• Students may advance to NOSSA (Northern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association) and OFSAA for provincial-level play.

Regional Volleyball Clubs

While Lively doesn’t host a dedicated volleyball club, nearby Sudbury offers several options:

Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA)

• Use the OVA Club Finder to locate clubs near Lively.
• Clubs offer:
  • Rep teams for competitive athletes
  • Development programs for ages 10–18
  • Beach volleyball in summer months

Impact Volleyball

• Offers intro, improve, and ignite skill clinics for youth in grades 5–9.
• Weekly sessions focus on basic skills, gameplay, and team drills.
• Ideal for players preparing for school tryouts or rep teams.

Invado Volleyball

• Hosts co-ed tournaments and leagues across Ontario, including themed events like “Monster Smash” and “Movember Mo’Volley”.
• While not based in Sudbury, they occasionally run clinics and events in Northern Ontario.

Youth and Adult Opportunities

• Programs are available for:
  • Beginner to advanced players
  • Girls and boys
  • Adults seeking recreational leagues
• Coaches are typically NCCP certified, ensuring quality instruction.