Released on November 15, 2016
Today the Government of Saskatchewan and Sask Sport celebrated athletes, coaches and officials with Saskatchewan connections who participated in the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic games during a ceremony at the Saskatchewan Legislature.Rio 2016 hosted twelve Saskatchewan athletes and twelve coaches, guides and officials. In Rio, Saskatchewan was also honoured to be represented by Carter Morrison, one of only five Canadians selected by the Ronald McDonald House Charities to act as tree-bearer during the Parade of Nations. From Carlyle, then 11 year-old Carter walked alongside Canada’s flag-bearer carrying a tree sapling which represented the environmentally-conscious theme of the opening ceremonies.
“Congratulations and thank you to Saskatchewan’s 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “As role models and ambassadors for our province, you have showcased not only your love and commitment to sport, but what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. You, along with our tree-bearer Carter Morrison, have made us proud.”
Among the athletes with ties to Saskatchewan, two brought home medals. Brianne Theisen-Eaton (Humboldt) competed in the women’s heptathlon, winning a bronze medal, and Logan Campbell (Saskatoon), a member of the sailing keelboat three-person (sonar) team, also won bronze.
“I am so very proud to be from Saskatchewan,” Olympic Athletics Shotput athlete Taryn Suttie said. “I've received financial support and athlete services from our sport system to help me achieve my goals, and I've felt community support and encouragement from this tight-knit province year after year. From my first Legion National meet in 2005 to the big stage in Rio, it continues to be an honour to represent Saskatchewan!”
“Representing my country at the Paralympics has given me a sense of humility and pride,” Paralympic Para-Swimmer Samantha Ryan said. “It's given me the opportunity to succeed, to fail and to grow in every way imaginable.”
“On behalf of the amateur sport federation in Saskatchewan, I extend my congratulations to the athletes, coaches, managers, officials and support staff who took part in the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Sask Sport Chair Tavia Laliberte said. “This opportunity is a testament to the hard work, dedication and perseverance that is showcased by Saskatchewan’s sports community. We are #SaskProud!”
In addition to the formal ceremony in the Rotunda, students from Albert Community School participated in an autograph session with the athletes earlier in the day. Athletes, coaches and officials later received formal introductions in the house.
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For more information, contact:
Jill Sveinson
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: jill.sveinson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152
Della Ruopp
Sask Sport Inc.
Regina
Phone: 306-780-9375
Email: druopp@sasksport.sk.ca
Cell: 306-570-9990