The rhythmic bounce of basketballs against asphalt mingles with the pulsing beats of hip-hop. Skateboards clatter and scrape across concrete obstacles while spray paint hisses against canvas. This isn’t just any sporting event—it’s the YXE Urban Games, where Saskatoon’s urban landscape transforms into a vibrant celebration of street culture, athletic prowess, and artistic expression.
Last weekend, downtown Saskatoon became the epicenter of urban culture as the 2024 YXE Urban Games took over several city blocks. The event, now in its fifth year, has evolved from a modest gathering of skateboarders and street artists to a full-scale festival that captures the essence of contemporary urban life in Saskatchewan’s fastest-growing city.
“What makes the Urban Games special is how it breaks down barriers between different communities,” explains Malik Thompson, one of the event organizers. “You’ve got the skateboard crowd mixing with breakdancers, basketball players hanging with graffiti artists—it creates this incredible energy that you can’t manufacture.”
The Games featured competitive elements across multiple disciplines: 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, skateboarding competitions with categories for various skill levels, and breakdancing battles that drew participants from across Western Canada. But perhaps what distinguishes the YXE Urban Games from traditional sporting events is its deliberate integration of artistic and cultural elements alongside athletic competition.
One of the most striking aspects was the live art installations, where local and visiting artists created murals and canvases throughout the duration of the festival. Attendees could watch artwork evolve in real-time, offering a rare glimpse into creative processes that typically happen behind closed doors. These installations weren’t mere decorations but integral components of the Games’ identity.
The cultural significance extends beyond entertainment value. For many young people in Saskatoon, the Urban Games represents a validation of interests and activities that have historically been marginalized in mainstream sporting culture. Skateboarding, though now an Olympic sport, still carries the rebellious energy that made it attractive to generations of youth seeking alternative forms of expression.
“I started skateboarding because team sports never felt right for me,” says 16-year-old participant Jayden Redman. “Here, I’m competing, but it’s also about style and creativity. It’s not just about winning—it’s about how you do it.”
This sentiment echoes throughout the various disciplines on display. The basketball courts feature players executing moves that prioritize flair alongside functionality. Breakdancers incorporate elements of traditional Indigenous dance into their routines, creating a uniquely Saskatchewan fusion of cultural influences. The event becomes a living exhibition of how global urban culture adapts and transforms when filtered through local sensibilities.
The Games also serve a practical purpose in urban development. By activating underutilized public spaces, the event demonstrates the potential for community-driven placemaking. City officials have taken notice, with representatives from Saskatoon’s urban planning department in attendance to observe how participants naturally interact with the built environment.
“Events like this help us understand how people actually want to use public spaces,” notes urban planner Cassandra Nguyen. “It’s one thing to design a plaza or park on paper, but watching how skateboarders, dancers, and artists navigate these spaces gives us invaluable insights for future development.”
Food vendors offering everything from traditional Indigenous cuisine to contemporary street food completed the sensory experience, creating a festival atmosphere that encouraged attendees to linger and engage with activities they might not otherwise encounter.
The YXE Urban Games represents something larger than the sum of its competitive events. It’s a statement about the evolving identity of mid-sized Canadian cities like Saskatoon—places increasingly defined by youthful energy, cultural diversity, and creative approaches to urban living. As our CO24 Culture reporting has consistently shown, these expressions of local identity are becoming increasingly important in how communities distinguish themselves in a globalized world.
What began as a grassroots gathering has become an annual tradition that both reflects and shapes Saskatoon’s urban identity. As the city continues to grow and develop, the YXE Urban Games stands as a testament to the power of street culture to build community, bridge divides, and reimagine public spaces. In blending sport, art, and culture, it offers a compelling vision of how modern cities can embrace their creative energy rather than contain it.
For more insights on emerging cultural trends across Canada, or to explore more perspectives on urban development, visit our dedicated sections.
