Spirit Lake Youth Sports: Building Community Through Recreation
FORT TOTTEN, N.D. – A young nonprofit organization, Spirit Lake Youth Sports (SLYS), is making significant strides in enhancing youth sports and broader community recreation in the Fort Totten area. Founded by Dean Duphinais Jr., SLYS aims to fulfill roles typically played by local parks and recreation departments that many larger towns may take for granted.
Duphinais noted that while SLYS is not a tribal entity, it collaborates with the tribe on several projects. Currently, the organization is developing a fieldhouse at the Four Winds High School baseball fields, utilizing a leased 7.1-acre plot. The facility will include amenities such as a concession stand, bathrooms, and an open meeting space. To support this initiative, SLYS has launched a fundraising campaign titled “Build the Spirit,” targeting $40,000 to $50,000 for necessary furnishings and equipment.
The organization’s inception traces back to Duphinais, who, upon returning to Fort Totten with his young children, found the local sports programs lacking. A summer baseball program he organized attracted over 100 children, prompting him to establish SLYS as a sustainable nonprofit. The nonprofit has also introduced the Sunka Wakan Program, teaching youth about horse handling and riding.
SLYS envisions a broader recreational future, collaborating with the tribe on concepts like an indoor pool, skate park, and even a possible park with walking trails on an adjacent 27-acre parcel. Duphinais emphasized the importance of delivering on current projects to position SLYS favorably for future opportunities.
“We have solid people involved, and that’s how we make great things happen for our community,” Duphinais stated, highlighting the organization’s commitment to collaborative development. The Spirit Lake Youth Sports initiative is paving the way for a vibrant community that celebrates recreation, culture, and youth empowerment.
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