Inclusion Lethbridge hosted a spirited Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament

By Lethbridge Herald on February 25, 2026.

Herald Photo by Joe Manio Having already defeated MP Rachael Thomas and Councillor Jean Schmidt-Rempel in the ÒOfficialsÕ RoundÓ William Robb Ñ dressed as a medieval knight Ñ faces-off against a determined young competitor in the first round of Rock, Paper, Scissors 2026 at the Lethbridge YMCA Saturday.

By Joe Manio

Lethbridge Herald

In most competitions, somebody has an edge. They’re faster. Stronger. Better trained. But on Saturday afternoon at the Lethbridge YMCA, that advantage disappeared the moment the countdown began.

One. Two. Three. Shoot.

More than 40 competitors gathered on the second floor at the north end of the YMCA for Rock, Paper, Scissors 2026, a spirited community tournament hosted by Inclusion Lethbridge. Here, age didn’t matter. Athleticism didn’t matter. Ability didn’t matter. If you had a hand and the willingness to play, you were in.

The afternoon began with a playful officials’ showdown. Lethbridge MP Rachael Thomas and city councillor Jean Schmidt-Rempel faced off against William Robb, who arrived dressed as a medieval knight in full plate armour — minus the gauntlets, for obvious logistical reasons. 

Robb, a member of the local re-enactment group the Order of the Black Spears, traded swordplay for hand signals in a best-of-three series that quickly drew laughter and cheers from the crowd.

“I get to show off my Rock, Paper, Scissors skills!” Thomas said, laughing, as she prepared to face the knight.

Despite her enthusiasm, Robb proved formidable, defeating both officials to claim first place in the round. Schmidt-Rempel finished second, with Thomas taking third. Cameras flashed, the crowd clapped, and for a few lighthearted minutes, politics gave way to pure play.

“That sense of equality — that anyone can win with the right flick of the wrist — is exactly the point,” said Inclusion Lethbridge Executive Director”Princess” (for the occasion) Rene Plaizier.

“From zero to 99-plus, everyone has a chance to win. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s about community more than skill,” she added.

Schmidt-Rempel, participating for the first time, reflected on the event’s larger meaning.

“Inclusion isn’t just a policy; it’s a daily practice. Today, it’s all about fun and connection,” she said.

The tournament followed a round-robin format, allowing every player to compete multiple times before advancing to the double-elimination rounds.

“It gives everyone a chance.Even if you lose once, you get a second shot. And the best part? Everyone is cheering for each other the entire time,” Princess Plazier said. 

Prizes ranged from painted rocks to school supplies to a grand trophy shaped like a hand throwing rock, paper, and scissors — a nod to the tournament’s playful spirit. Competitors couldn’t help but grin as they eyed the prizes, with some even showing off their favorite moves or sharing tips with one another.

William Robb’s knightly appearance added a touch of theatrical fun, but the real magic of the day was in the community’s energy. Children, seniors, newcomers, and long-time residents alike competed on equal footing, proving that true competition doesn’t require strength, skill, or experience — just the willingness to participate.

As last year’s champion, Whyit, noted: “The best part isn’t winning — it’s being part of a community that cheers for everyone, regardless of age or ability.”

By the end of the afternoon, hands were tired from repeated throws, but spirits were high. Laughter echoed across the YMCA as players congratulated each other, shared stories, and posed for photos with their medals and prizes.

In the world of Rock, Paper, Scissors 2026, everyone had a shot, and everyone left a winner.