REGINA TO HOST 2005 CANADA SUMMER GAMES

Released on July 10, 2001

More than 4,000 amateur athletes will descend on Regina in August of 2005

to compete in the Canada Summer Games.



Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford and Canada Games

Council Chair Larry Smith announced the success of Regina's bid today.



"The Canada Games instill in youth a lifetime appreciation for sport,

fitness, teamwork and friendly competition," Crofford said. "It's an

opportunity to celebrate their achievements and to support their commitment

to excellence in sport."



"Congratulations Regina! On May 30th and 31st, members of the Canada Games

Council Site Evaluation Committee met your bid committee," Smith said. "We

toured your beautiful city, visited various venues and reviewed your

plans. We were most impressed. You have all the components of leadership

and community support to host a great Canada Games."



"This event will showcase the City of Regina and the Province of

Saskatchewan on the national scene," Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "I am

very pleased to announce today Mr. Bob Ellard has agreed to chair the

organizing committee for this prestigious event."



A number of communities near Regina, including Saskatchewan Beach, Lumsden,

Regina Beach and Moose Jaw, participated in the bid and will host portions

of the games.



"The games will garner new investment in local facilities and increased

tourism for Regina and for nearby communities that participated in the

bid," Moose Jaw Mayor Al Schwinghamer said.



The Canada Games, this country's premiere multi-sport event, are held every

two years, alternating between winter and summer. The first Canada Games

were held in 1967 during Canada's centennial. The 2005 games will coincide

with Saskatchewan's centennial.



The Canada Games are the product of co-operation between the Government of

Canada, provincial and territorial governments, host municipalities and the

Canada Games Council. The next Canada Summer Games will be held in the

London region of southwestern Ontario on August 11th-25th, 2001. The next

Winter Games will be held in northern New Brunswick in 2003.



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For more information contact:



Karyn Mossing Giséle Regimbal Lane MacAdam

Communications Director Communications Director President & CEO

Culture, Youth and Recreation Canada Games Council Canada GamesCouncil

Phone: (306) 787 4967 Phone: (613) 526-2320 Phone: (613) 724-6995