The N.W.T.’s school sports association and Yellowknife school officials say there will be increased security at this weekend’s Sr. Cager basketball tournament in Yellowknife, citing some recent “potential safety concerns” at city schools.

RCMP and hired security will be at the tournament, hosted at École Sir John Franklin and École St. Patrick and Weledeh schools, according to a notice posted by NT School Sports on Tuesday. The tournament, which includes boys and girls teams from schools across the territory, begins Thursday. 

The notice says there will be more supervision by school and tournament staff and bag checks of athletes and spectators over the weekend. There will also be fewer entrances and exits at each venue. Athletes will wear wristbands to enter the changerooms.

School authorities are asking tournament participants to report any security concerns and to avoid sharing speculative or unverified information.

In a written statement, Yellowknife Catholic School District superintendent Adam Murray says the district, along with Yellowknife Education District No. 1, “are committed to providing athletes, spectators, and staff with a safe experience” at the tournament.

He says school officials are “working to align with national standards for supervising large events, including sports.”

Murray says the added security follows some recent incidents involving students at city schools.

“Last week administrations of École St. Patrick High School and École Sir John Franklin High School responded to two potential safety concerns, prompting meetings with NT School Sport and the RCMP to ensure the safety of our students, staff and families,” said Murray.

Murray did not provide any more details about those incidents.

2 students arrested in recent weeks

On Feb. 13, Yellowknife’s École St. Patrick High School went into a “hold and secure” protocol after a 13-year-old student enrolled at the school allegedly posted a photo to social media with what appeared to be a firearm. The school locked its doors, with nobody allowed in or out.

Police later arrested the student at his home and seized an imitation pistol. 

A week later, on Feb. 20, a student enrolled in Hay River’s Diamond Jenness Secondary School was arrested after allegedly posting threatening messages on social media, with a caption referring to “an upcoming school sporting event,” according to RCMP.

Police searched the 15-year-old student’s house, finding five firearms, and an airgun. He faces charges related to uttering threats and firearms.