What started as a friendly challenge between programs evolved into a powerful display of school spirit as plastic swords and homemade shields decked the halls of Niagara College’s Simplii Financial Athletic Centre in Welland.
On March 25, NC students participated in the inaugural Noble Games, a medieval-themed series of athletic challenges between academic schools and program areas.
The first competition took place between students in the Paramedic program and the School of Justice, after the Paramedic program initiated a friendly challenge between the two. The event was designed to strengthen connections between students and their programs, while also supporting wellness, inclusion and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“We built the Noble Games around a concept, an event that was fun, social, and a break from the usual routine,” said Jenna Wilson, Niagara College’s Campus Recreation Coordinator. “It’s about giving students a reason to show up, connect with each other and feel part of something. The energy in the gym that day just took off — it was electric. The students understood the assignment and delivered, showing up with team colours, capes and banners. The atmosphere was beyond what we were hoping for.”
“Niagara College prides itself on being student-focused and passionate. Watching the Noble Games, I saw students, faculty and staff who are incredibly student-focused and passionate,” said Scott Wade, NC’s Associate Dean of the School of Justice and Fitness. “The Athletic staff created a platform for healthy competition and passionate engagement. I saw faculty members who led the charge, playing on the teams with the students and cheering them on. Paramedics and Policing are noble professions, and the traits displayed by the students are reflective of those professions; teamwork, passion, support, physical fitness and competition. I was proud to support the Athletics team and more importantly support the students from both programs.”
Noble Games participants take part in a game of volleyball at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre in Welland.
The event brought together a total of 75 students, faculty, and staff and featured 10 teams– five from each program–competing against one other across multiple sports, including: volleyball, dodgeball, boccia, basketball and ultimate frisbee, for a total of 17 competitions over the course of two and a half hours.
Following the competition, participants gathered at The Core (Welland Campus) for the “Feast of Celebration,” with food provided by the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC).
For first-year Police Foundations student Pat Abbott, who stands at 6’5″, basketball was the sport of choice. He was drawn to the event by its inclusive environment and the opportunity to take on a leadership role as one of the student organizers.
“The multi-sport aspect of it ensured that everyone was included,” said Abbott, who played on the Golden Basilisks and hails from Chippawa. “I love basketball, but the next person might love boccia. It allowed people to customize their experience in their own way.”
“The leadership opportunity was incredible,” he added. “I was able to use skills that I’ve learned in school to spread interest in the event and connect with other students. Strong schools have strong communities, and this was the type of event that strengthens school community.”
The competition remained neck-and-neck from start to finish, with a tiebreaking game of ultimate frisbee becoming the deciding factor. The School of Justice narrowly secured a tie in the final moments of the match, before securing a victory in overtime, crowning them as the first-ever Noble Games champion.
Pat Abbott (holding trophy) and the School of Justice celebrate their Noble Games championship at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre in Welland.
For second-year Paramedic student Piper Roberts of Burlington, participating in the Noble Games only deepened her sense of school spirit.
“This was the best event that I have ever been a part of,” said Roberts, who played for the Stormguard Sentinels and competed in the decisive ultimate frisbee match. “One of the great things about Niagara College is how close you feel to everything. You know everyone and you have lots of people in your corner. And I think this event embodied those same values. We’ve been able to build bonds and develop a strong but sportsmanlike rivalry with another program. It was a lot of fun.”
While Abbott helped organize the event from the School of Justice side, first-year student Cody Gamble was the Paramedic program’s counterpart. Gamble, a Niagara Falls native, reflected on how the Noble Games brought people together.
Piper Roberts, Noble the Knight (mascot) and Cody Gamble (left to right) pose with their Noble Games certificates at NC’s Welland Campus.
“The idea of college can be intimidating, but it’s opportunities like this show just how fun and exciting it can be,” said Gamble, who played on the Golden Shields. “This event allowed us to build social skills, become closer with classmates, and get more involved on campus. It started with us working together with strangers and ended with new friendships and friendly, joking rivalries.”
For both Abbott and Gamble, a rematch is already in mind for next fall. While Roberts is set to graduate, she enjoyed the event so much that she plans to return to participate — or at least cheer on the next competition.
With the overwhelming success of the event, Campus Recreation is already looking ahead to future Noble Games competitions, with potential to expand beyond athletic events.
How to participate in future Noble Games challenges:
Any academic program can participate, and getting involved is simple. Challenges can be issued between academic programs (e.g., School of Trades vs. School of Technology), within programs (such as Year 1 vs. Year 2 or Sport Management vs. Sport Administration), or even between students and staff.
Each program should have between 15 (minimum) and 50 (maximum) participants and be prepared to compete in a series of sport-based activities over a two-to-three-hour period outside of class time.
Faculty are encouraged to support the initiative by identifying student leaders to help them coordinate team registration, promote participation within their programs, and attend or cheer on participants.
For more information or to register a challenge, please contact Jenna Wilson at [email protected].
Special thanks are extended to School of Justice & Fitness Simulated Lab Technician Shawn Black, Paramedic Program Manager JB Estrabillo, NCSAC Operations Manager Danny Cvetanovic, Library Facilitator Matt Bohun and Library & Learning Commons Technology Coordinator Dana O’Hagan for their support in helping make the event a success.
Participants from the School of Justice prepare to play in the Noble Games at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre in Welland.
