More than 150 students from eight Ottawa Catholic School Board schools spent a day on the field at Carleton University last week, passing, kicking and racing through the board's annual Rugby CAN! Jamboree. The inclusive event, supported by roughly 50 school staff members and a team of community volunteers, marked its 10th year, according to the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Students from St. Peter, Holy Trinity, Frank Ryan, St. Mark, St. Francis Xavier, Notre Dame, Lester B. Pearson and St. Patrick rotated through skill stations led by coaches and volunteers, including passing drills, kicking challenges, target practice, relay races and games of ultimate rugby. One activity was held inside Carleton's Ravens' Nest. "This event highlights everything that is beautiful about rugby. Our sport is truly inclusive. If you are new to the game, we will help you learn. If you need support on the pitch, we will find a way to help you succeed. Our motto is 'Rugby Is For Everyone!'" said LeeAnn Napiorkowski, an inclusion resource teacher at St. Peter High School and the event's coordinator, in the board's news post. Carleton Ravens men's and women's varsity rugby players spent the day coaching, demonstrating skills and cheering students on, joined by members of teams from the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union. The jamboree also drew representatives from Rugby Canada, including Al Charron and Sherri Sparling, former captains of Canada's men's and women's national teams. Two other Rugby Canada representatives, Connor Millenor and Rachel McCallan, are St. Peter High School graduates whose rugby careers offered students a visible example of where the sport can lead. The timing added to the excitement: the Rugby Canada visit came just days before Canada's match against England at TD Place. England is ranked No. 1 in the world and Canada No. 3. Leadership and media arts students from St. Peter helped run the day alongside educational assistants and inclusion teachers, with leadership students partnering with university athletes to teach rugby skills and media arts students photographing and filming the event. The Canadian Jax, Canada's first inclusive rugby team, was also part of the event. The club runs indoor and outdoor programs year-round for athletes of all abilities in a supportive, non-contact environment. The jamboree began in 2016, when Carleton University, Rugby Canada and students and staff from six OCSB high schools came together to introduce students to the sport. Organizers credit Carleton University Athletics, the Ravens rugby teams, Rugby Canada, the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union, the Canadian Jax and OCSB staff and students with sustaining the event over the past decade. Reflecting on the milestone, Napiorkowski said: "I am most proud of how our community rallies together to help our OCSB athletes access the sport of rugby. Our volunteers love our sport and they also love sharing it with our athletes at the jamboree." For many students, the highlight was simply being part of the action, whether that meant learning to kick a rugby ball, meeting a varsity athlete or sharing a laugh with friends on the same field where national team veterans once played.