SANIKILUAQ - Kids in Sanikiluaq have a full slate of sports activities to keep them busy, thanks to the community's RCMP summer student.

RCMP summer student Chris Kittosuk with some of his Tuesday softball kids, age 13 and up. Back row from left, Josie Kudluarok, Davidee Kowcharlie, Jamie Kavik, Jason Iqaluq, Silas Cookie, Harry Kowcharlie, Josie Amitook, Alec Inuktaluk and Alec Kittosuk. Front row from left, Daisy Kavik, Luke Arragutainaq, Chris Kittosuk and Randy Joe Kavik. - photo courtesy of Const. Diane MacDonald

Chris Kittosuk has been involved in organizing sports and other activities in his home community for years, but now that he's working as a summer student with his local RCMP detachment he's more involved than ever.

"The kids are really happy that they have something to do for the whole summer," Kittosuk said. "If I didn't work for this summer, they wouldn't have anything to do."

Kittosuk's day is nine-to-five and each day of the week means a different sport is on offer at the community hall.

On Mondays the focus is on Inuit Games such as one-foot, two-foot and Alaskan high kicks, and hand reach. On Tuesdays, it's baseball; Wednesdays, soccer; Thursdays, basketball; and Fridays, floor hockey.

The day's activities are divided by age group. The youngest kids, ages five to seven, attend in the morning. After lunch, the time is set aside for kids aged eight to 12. Then at 3 p.m. the oldest kids, ages 13 and up, get their turn.

Kittosuk estimates he organizes 15-25 kids at a time. Sometimes some of his older students come to help out with the younger ones.

"I didn't apply for any other jobs for this summer," Kittosuk said. "But my teacher (Margaret Lawrence) got me into this summer student thing. I'm really enjoying the job I have."

The RCMP detachment in Sanikiluaq has helped organize team sports like this in the past, but this summer is Kittosuk's first time working for them.

"I am planning to be an RCMP after I finish school," Kittosuk said.

He hopes to graduate in June 2010.

"After a few years later I would like to own my business, like a store or a hotel," he said.