Contributing Writer | Hui Yi Soh

With Whitworth intramurals ending in late April, it is important to remind students to explore other organized programs around Spokane.

Hoopfest, the largest three-on-three basketball tournament, is held in Spokane during the month of June. Anyone in the U.S. can sign up with a team of three, to play against 64 other teams. Another event is the Lilac Bloomsday Run, with a course length of 7.5 miles. This is an annual race held on the first Sunday of May in Spokane that features thousands of runners, joggers and walkers.

Additionally, sign-ups for University Outdoor Recreation activities such as climbing trips in Deep Creek and hikes in Caribou Ridge, are available and provide students with the necessary rentals.

Jakhongir Ayupov, an international student, went on a snowshoe hike in the fall with Whitworth Outdoors and shared the benefits of the adventure.

“Being able to have a balance between your mental health and physical health is very important,” Ayupov said.

He also said because of sports, he has noticed a boost in his academic performance and is able to retain more information.

The Whitworth intramural programs allowed students to participate in a number of sports, with the goal of being “in a fun and friendly environment.”

“Intramural and club sports are found probably at most universities and colleges across the United States,” Todd Sandberg said, the U-REC director.

Intramurals Coordinator Dylan Thiel said the whole season is based on students’ schedules. The two most popular sports, basketball and volleyball, are indoors and they go on until the end of April.

“We work around Spokane’s weather so we can offer also outdoor sports,” Thiel said.