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INUVIK - It wasn't even close. Inuvik couldn't keep up with Paulatuk's run-and-gun offence. But no one seemed to care after the horn sounded the end of regulation time.

The cheers echoing through Samuel Hearne Secondary School gymnasium Sunday afternoon were for both soccer squads and the smiles on pretty much every player's face proved it.

Paulatuk's Jerry Ruben-Bennett, centre, tries to ward off Inuvik's Chris Church, left, and Cullen McLeod during their game on Sunday. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photos

They were among more than 300 student participants in the Beaufort-Delta Education Council's (BDEC) Sports Festival held last weekend.

Designed to reward students for their commitment to attendance and education, the event drew more than 150 kids of all ages from Tuktoyaktuk, Aklavik, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Ulukhaktok, Sachs Harbour and Paulatuk.

Though soccer took centre stage, students 12-years-old and under competed in a Borden ball tournament at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School.

Soccer referee clinics, a movie night and a dance were some of the other perks on the agenda.

And the effort didn't go unnoticed by 15-year-old participant Patrick Illasiak from Paulatuk. Competing in the 19-and-under soccer division, the cheery teenager finished the weekend with a solid four goals. He said he was thankful to renew old acquaintances and friendly battles.

"We lost this morning," Patrick said with a laugh. "But it's been great. Everything seems to be organized great and I'm having a lot of fun."

As was the case with several teams, many participating communities shared players to round out rosters. Patrick didn't mind one bit that a few of his buddies joined ranks with Inuvik.

"They kept us hustling until we got too tired," he said.

Hometown girl Brittany Lucas-Cockney suited up with Inuvik Delta, chipping in with five goals. The talented youngster said she hopes it might become an annual event, collectively celebrating the achievement and dedication of local students.

"It's just great playing with all your friends," she said. "They should do it all the time because we all really appreciate it."

Her father David Lucas agreed.

"It's a great idea," he said. "It brings the kids together and it's so nice to see them laughing and getting along. I wish they could do it more often."

Feeling weary but satisfied, SHSS vice-principal Lorne Guy was among several teachers and volunteers who chaperoned the event. Getting nothing but positive feedback, Guy said he was proud of how the weekend unfolded and the leadership students displayed to help make it a success. He said if there's ample money in education council's budget, he'd like to see a similar event held next year.

"It's been tremendous," the vice-principal said. "Just seeing the kids smiling and having a good time is incentive enough. I went to one chaperon and said, 'I really hope you had a good time this weekend. He shook his head and said, 'We didn't have a good time. We had a great time.'

"We set out to highlight all those good things happening in our schools, and mission accomplished," said Guy.

Aklavik's Moose Kerr School teacher Lorna Storr was along for the ride and couldn't agree more.

"Just to see the kids' faces," she said. "The kids work so hard and they deserve to be rewarded."