December 17, 2025 (Kemptville, ON) – As part of the Upper Canada District School Board’s (UCDSB) commitment to increasing opportunities for students to engage in sports and be active, the UCDSB recently hosted a high-energy, fast-paced event of Team Pinball / Pin Smash in Kemptville.
This unique game blends speed, strategy, and teamwork as players race to knock down the opposing team’s bowling pin. The tournament attracted teams from all four school boards in the Kemptville area, including three teams from Kemptville Public School (KPS), two from South Branch Elementary School, and one team each from Merrickville Public School, Oxford-on-Rideau Public School, Holy Cross School (Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario), Rivière-Rideau (Le Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario), and Académie catholique Notre-Dame (Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est).
“I love teaching Pin Smash because 36 students can be actively involved at once,” said South Branch ES teacher and coach Sarah Blackburn. South Branch. “It’s exciting for everyone, and it really helps students strengthen skills like aiming, catching, and working as a team.”
Teams rotate through three shifts of six players. On the court, one player acts as the pin protector, guarding the circle around their team’s pin. Meanwhile, the remaining 12 teammates stay fully engaged from the sidelines, catching passes and taking shots at the pin.
“Success comes from quick passes, clear communication, and working together,” Blackburn explained. “It was amazing to watch students grow in confidence as they tried new moves, strategies, and plays with their teammates.”
“I love the competitiveness of the game. I also like how everyone can pass to each other, and that we can play on mixed teams,” added South Branch student Blake Somerville.
The event also highlighted inclusivity as teachers from the French-language schools introduced the game to colleagues from other boards, promoting it as a sport that allows larger groups of students to participate and form teams.
The Kemptville area is one of the few regions where students from all four school boards regularly come together to compete in school sports.
“We’d love to see more of this across the region,” said Robert Matheson, UCDSB Physical Education Teacher and Health & Physical Education Learning Partner. “Events like this help create connections and opportunities for our students, which is what All-In Sports is all about – getting students involved and active.”