ROMANOW PRAISES SASKATCHEWAN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Released on February 17, 1998

A thrilling "Golden Weekend" by Saskatchewan Olympic athletes serves

as an inspiration for the entire province, says Premier Roy Romanow.



"I know that I couldn't have been more thrilled and proud," Romanow

said, after Regina's Sandra Schmirler curling rink and Saskatoon speed

skater Catriona Le May Doan won gold medals at the Winter Olympics in

Nagano, Japan.



"This was a Golden Weekend' that will go down in Saskatchewan sports

history."



Romanow said the Olympic victories offered eloquent testimony to the

athletes' determination and dedication to their sports and their years

of training and practice.



"I hope that everyone in Saskatchewan, especially our young people

will be inspired by these excellent examples of perseverance, courage

and resolve," Romanow said. "These are the values that have enabled

us to build our province for more than 90 years and the values we will

use to move forward into the next century."



The Schmirler rink won the first ever Olympic gold medal in women's

curling on Sunday with a 7-5 win over Denmark. Curling was added to

the medal sports this year for the first time.



Romanow also noted the Schmirler rink's consistency. The team has

also won three Canadian and three World Championships and has never

lost a major championship final.



The team includes lead Marcia Gudereit, second Joan McCusker,

third Jan Betker, skip Sandra Schmirler and fifth Atina Ford.

The team is based at the Callie Club in Regina and is coached by

Anita Ford.



Le May Doan set two Olympic records in capturing the gold medal

in the women's 500-metre speed skating event. It was the first

win for a Canadian speed skater in a sprint event. Canadian

skater Susan Auch won the silver medal.



Romanow said he was "very proud" to see these athletes carry

small Saskatchewan flags onto the podium where they received

their gold medals.



"I know its a small thing, but all of Saskatchewan is proud of

these athletes, so its nice to know that they are proud of their

home province, too."



Le May Doan has an excellent chance for another medal on Thursday

in the 1,000 metre race, in which she holds the world record.



The Schmirler rink is expected to return home on Wednesday

evening at 6:30 and will be back on the ice Saturday to defend

its Canadian Championship at the Scott Tournament of Hearts in

Regina.



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For more information, contact:



Julianne Jack

Media Services

Regina

Phone: (306)787-6349