SASKATOON — Thousands of athletes, spectators and volunteers will gather at the Saskatoon Field House for three days of track and field action with the return of the Knights of Columbus Indoor Games, set from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24.
The Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus organizes one of the province’s longest-running amateur sporting events, now in its 59th year, where 3,000 student athletes, including elementary students, are expected to compete alongside national and international athletes.
Two-time Olympian and two-time world indoor shot put champion Sarah Mitton will be the guest speaker at the opening ceremonies on Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. She will offer words of inspiration to more than 3,500 athletes, including 27 international competitors from seven countries, along with Canada.
Events include hurdles, long and high jump, pole vault, shot put, running events at various distances, and relays, with about 2,500 elementary and 500 senior students expected to compete. They will be joined by 27 athletes from Bermuda, Botswana, Canada, Greece, Jamaica, Nigeria and the U.S.
The games, which also include wheelchair competitions and are supported by more than 100 volunteers, have become a cherished sporting event in the province and are known to nurture future champions while promoting the values of sportsmanship and perseverance.
The Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus, which has more than 9,000 members in the province, has hosted indoor athletics events fostering the spirit of achievement and determination since 1965. The games were last held in January 2020 before the pandemic and were cancelled in 2021 and 2022. They returned in 2023.
Honorary meet director for the 2026 games Martin Cey thanked the KoC Games’ board of directors for their trust in him to lead the organizing committee of the indoor athletics event, which is part of the Knights’ commitment to supporting the community and life.
“For the past thirty years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of this incredible event—first as a parent and volunteer, and later as a driver. I still remember attending decades ago to cheer on my four daughters as they competed,” said Cey in a message.
“For the last 20 years, I’ve been the guy behind the wheel, picking up athletes, listening to their stories, and watching them encourage one another. Every year, I get to witness firsthand why the Knights of Columbus does what we do.”
He added that he accepts the honour of being tournament director on behalf of every driver, timer, scorekeeper and volunteer who gave up three days to assist with the event, noting it is about more than medals or records, but celebrating athletes of every skill level giving their best.
