Dodgeball Winnipeg Brings — Sports enthusiasts in Steinbach and the surrounding area have an exciting new indoor recreation option to look forward to this coming season. Nick Grenier, an Ile des Chenes resident who owns Dodgeball Winnipeg, is bringing a brand-new dodgeball recreational league to the Southeast Event Centre. With signups currently underway, Grenier is hoping to turn dodgeball into the region’s biggest new sport. Designed to offer an accessible and energetic outlet during the colder months, the newly organized league aims to bring community members together inside the local venue to participate in a sport that is easy to pick up, highly engaging, and rooted in fun.

Accessible Indoor Exercise, Low Commitment, and Foam Balls

For Grenier, the fundamental drive behind launching this Steinbach-based dodgeball league is to offer a friendly, active environment for people who want to stay fit while having fun with their peers. As Grenier explained, the main goal of the league is not to be competing at the highest level of athletic competition. Instead, it serves as another structured activity that people can play with their friends to get some regular exercise. During the winter months, when outdoor weather turns cold and options for outside recreation become limited, an indoor court league offers an ideal opportunity to get some quality indoor exercise. It allows participants to come together with friends and play a classic game that they used to play during gym class—a game that everyone always enjoyed in their school days.

To ensure the league is accessible, safe, and stress-free for all participants regardless of their skill level, Grenier was sure to add that the league will exclusively use foam balls during play. In addition, Dodgeball Winnipeg is making participation as straightforward as possible by supplying all of the equipment needed for the game. The only item that individual participants are required to bring themselves is a pair of gym shoes. Furthermore, Grenier highlighted that joining the Steinbach league is really affordable, offering a low cost to join alongside a very manageable, low commitment. The season lasts for only nine weeks, which means players do not have to feel as though they are committing to a full year of competition—they are simply committing to three months of fun indoor action.

From the Baseball Diamond to Representing Team Canada

Although the newly established Steinbach league is set up specifically as a recreation league, Grenier points out that the sky is truly the limit for potential athletes who step onto the dodgeball court. Grenier’s own personal experience in the sport demonstrates how far a player can take their involvement. Originally playing on the baseball diamond, Grenier was recruited by some friends to try dodgeball and decided to take his athletic talents into the gym, where he ultimately found massive success.

Reflecting on his entry into the sport, Grenier shared that he fell in love with the intense adrenaline you get when you make a catch or make a big hit on the court. That feeling quickly grew on him, motivating him to start playing the sport more competitively. His hard work and passion led to impressive athletic achievements, including winning provincial dodgeball championships. Beyond provincial success, Grenier achieved the elite milestone of wearing the Maple Leaf for Team Canada while competing at international events. His progression highlights how a fun recreational pastime can open doors to elite athletic opportunities.

Paving the Way for Official Sport Recognition in Manitoba

In addition to providing immediate recreational benefits to local players, the Steinbach league plays a pivotal role in Grenier’s broader vision for dodgeball across the province. Grenier noted that the new league in Steinbach could serve as the crucial first step to establishing dodgeball as a proper sport in Manitoba. If this initial Steinbach league goes well, it could create momentum for dodgeball leagues to start popping up in cities and towns across the entire province.

This provincial growth is necessary to achieve formal recognition and support from athletic governing bodies. As Grenier explained, in order for Dodgeball Winnipeg to receive funding from Sport Manitoba, the organization must establish and run an active league in three different cities. Right now, Sport Manitoba does not view dodgeball as an official sport, viewing it essentially as a hobby. Successfully launching in Steinbach brings the organization closer to meeting that three-city requirement and securing official recognition. Anyone interested in joining the Steinbach recreation league can register online at DodgeballWinnipeg.com, where a separate signup button is provided specifically for the Steinbach league.

Reporting based on coverage from The Carillon. Stay tuned for further updates on Dodgeball Winnipeg Brings.

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