Saturday marked the one-year countdown to the 2022 Saskatchewan Winter Games.
The event, scheduled to be held in the Queen City, will see over 1,800 athletes from across the province compete in sports like curling, figure skating, and speed skating.
Regina Mayor Sandra Masters says the games will provide another chance to show off the city and all its great amenities.
“The Saskatchewan Games are such an incredible opportunity for young athletes, families, officials, and volunteers to celebrate the power of sport, culture, and community,” said Masters. “And we are thrilled to be welcoming the entire province to our backyard in exactly one year’s time.”
Masters says she’s also excited to see the community come together and volunteer to help make the games a success.
This is the first time in the 50-year history of the games that they will take place in Regina.
Director of the Saskatchewan Games Council, Dale Pitura says the games serves as more than just athletic competitions.
“These are definitely important developmental opportunities for the athletes, and the volunteers, with many of the athletes going on to participate in other events, such as the Canada Games, and of course, some even go on to participate in Olympics and Paralympics,” said Pitura. “Not only do the athletes develop, but there’s also individual, personal growth and development.”
Pitura says with celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the games, it not only provides a chance to remember the past but look forward to the future.
Saskatchewan Winter Games Chair, Valerie Sluth says the planning committee has taken the games to new heights with their focus on supporting women and Indigenous leader, as well as prioritizing Indigenous inclusion.
Sluth says the games mean a lot of different things to different people.
“The interesting thing about the Saskatchewan Games is that it can be a boost up to your athletic career, it could be the pinnacle of your athletic career,” said Sluth. “It means different things to everybody.”
The games are scheduled to take place February 20th-26th 2022.
