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The Yorkton Martial Arts Training Centre is hosting its 7th Annual Abominable Snow Slam this Saturday afternoon at Dr. Brass Elementary School.

This year's event is hoping to attract at least 100 competitors, says Mike Forster of the Yorkton Martial Arts Training Centre.

He said he expects competition from all over the province, notably Yorkton, Melville, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Nipawin as well as smaller centres, too, he said.

Advance tickets for the Snow Slam are available through Forster or any of his students and can also be purchased at the YMATC until this Friday, March 4 at a reduced cost of $5.

They will be available on location at Dr. Brass at a cost of $10 a ticket, on Saturday says Forster.Those attending under the age of eight are admitted free.

This year's Snow Slam is the first that will be sanctioned by the Saskatchewan Martial Arts Association, meaning that those who place in the top two in their event are qualified for the provincials as well as the Pan-American Games, Forster said.

Among the events will be karate, Tae Kwon Do and Kung-Fu.

It is also an open tournament.

"Any club can come and compete," Forster said.

He said he has sent out a notice to clubs all over Saskatchewan and believes the attendance level this year should at least hit 100 competitors.

"My students will be there and Melville's bringing 12 or so," he adds.

He said the biggest highlight of the day, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the point sparring.

"It's going to be fun," he said, roughly a week before the date of the competition. "Every year, it's a lot of work. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:30 and the competitions will go from 10 a.m. to close. It will also include the Yorkton Martial Arts Training Centre Demo team at 12 noon.

Anyone wishing additional information can call Forster at 621-1555.