Released on November 6, 2014
The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport invites cities to submit bids to host the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games. The invitation includes a $1.5 million investment by the provincial government in support of bringing the games to Saskatchewan.
“These games offer a great opportunity to showcase our province, our athletes and the community in which the games are held,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. “Events like this enhance our quality of life by promoting healthy living and contribute to the continued growth of our strong economy. Our province has a long and successful history of hosting large national and international sporting events and we’re glad to see that will continue with the Western Canada Summer Games.”
Interested communities are asked to submit a letter of intent to the ministry by December 12, 2014. A final bid package is required by March 14, 2015.
The ministry will partner with the Saskatchewan Games Council in the selection of a host community. A site selection committee will tour eligible communities in April and the winning bid will be announced in May, 2015.
The upcoming games will mark Saskatchewan’s fifth time hosting the event. The province last hosted the games in Prince Albert in 1999. Games have also been held in Regina in 1975 and 1987 and in Saskatoon in 1979.
“One of the greatest things about events such as this one is the legacy they leave behind within the community,” Volunteer Chair of the 1999 Western Canada Summer Games Howard Gange said. “In Prince Albert, the games introduced new sports to the kids in our city. They instilled pride in our volunteers and citizens and resulted in improvements to our sport facilities. The games are truly a worthwhile event that will benefit its host community.”
The Western Canada Summer Games is dedicated to the development of excellence in sport by the four western provinces and three territories: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory. The games feature athletic competition in approximately 18 sports and showcase the talents of western Canada’s finest young athletes.
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For more information, contact:
Amanda Clark
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6880
Email: amanda.clark@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927