What's being described as an "unforgettable" experience for close to 50 teenagers in Penticton has come to an end after five days and two rugby matches.
YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada recently helped send the Newfoundland and Labrador Rugby Union to the Okanagan for the first leg of an exchange program with the Penticton Harlequins Junior Rugby Club.
From May 21 to 26, players on each team 乌鸦传媒� ranging from Grade 10 to 12 乌鸦传媒� bonded in the Peach City while taking part in community outreach work and crossing paths on the rugby pitch.
"This has been a wicked experience," said Dean Blanks, Newfoundland's rugby club head coach. "It's completely different from Newfoundland ... the culture, the area, the surroundings. It's something (the kids) will never forget."
After their first match on May 24, the teams met again on Monday (May 26) to complete a two-game series. Players from Newfoundland's club stayed at the homes of their Penticton counterparts during the five days.
On the Canada Day weekend, Blanks and his Newfoundland squad will return the favour when they welcome Penticton's junior rugby club to the nation's easternmost province for another pair of games.
"We wanted the kids to experience the other side of the country," said Chris Remington, Penticton's head coach. "It's very exciting."
The national YMCA program also organized local volunteer work for players on both sides.
On May 22, for instance, the youth spent their afternoons enjoying the sights of Okanagan Lake while cleaning up garbage from the nearby beaches.
"The point of our program is to connect youth and give them a deep cultural experience," said national program coordinator Rachel Bowman, who made the trip from YMCA Youth Exchanges' headquarters in Toronto.
Now in its 25th year, the exchange program is financed by the federal government's Heritage Canada fund.
"It's really been cool to be somewhere new and see the program in action and the kids connect," Bowman added. "We encourage any community groups or schools from all over Canada to apply and experience this."
Laura Benson, a B.C. regional coordinator for the exchange program, stressed the importance of bringing the youth project to places across the province, and not just the Lower Mainland.
"I've noticed there are a lot of groups in Vancouver who get the opportunity because they know about it," Benson explained. "Giving other groups this opportunity is huge."
Youth on both teams were also greeted by Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield before they hit the pitch for their first game.
"I'd like to welcome everyone here, especially the visiting team," Bloomfield said. "You've come a long way and we hope you have a great time while you're here."
After Penticton plays its two games in Newfoundland this summer as part of the exchange program, local players will meet with St. John's Mayor Danny Breen.
The South Okanagan athletes are also scheduled to take a walking tour of downtown St. John's, including the Terry Fox Monument and Newfoundland's Confederation Building.
"We can't wait to welcome them," Blanks said.
More information about the exchange program, and how to apply on behalf of a group, can be found at .
