Released on July 27, 2012
The Government of Saskatchewan wishes all the athletes and the City of Meadow Lake well at the 2012 Saskatchewan Summer Games. The Games run from July 29 to August 4.
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Games. The first Saskatchewan Summer Games took place in Moose Jaw in 1972.
The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support the Games. Government worked with the City of Meadow Lake to redirect $300,000 in provincial funding to support the 2012 Saskatchewan Summer Games Legacy Project. The funding helped upgrade numerous sporting venues in Meadow Lake, including the Stampede grounds, soccer fields and the Lions Park track facility, to ensure the community could effectively host the Games.
The funding was part of the $1.9 million previously approved through the Building Communities Program for Meadow Lake.
"The 40th Anniversary of the Saskatchewan Games reveals how highly our province values sport and recreation," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. "The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to have helped the City of Meadow Lake upgrade its sporting facilities in preparation for the Summer Games. The upgrades will serve the City of Meadow Lake for years to come. These venues are important places where people can play, compete and socialize."
The Communities Initiatives Fund (CIF), a special purpose fund created through the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation that is accountable to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, has also invested thousands of dollars in Meadow Lake's infrastructure, which will help the city host the Summer Games.
"In support of these Summer Games, the Community Initiatives Fund approved $53,900 in grant support to improve a ball diamond, soccer field and to develop a band shell for the Games this year," Community Initiatives Fund Executive Director Tracey Mann said. "We are also contributing $37,908 to the 40th year celebrations of the Games, bringing CIF's total contribution to $91,808."
These funds were provided through the Community Vitality Grant Program, one of several CIF programs. This program is tailored to supporting small capital projects, as well as community events and community pride projects.
The goal of the Summer Games is to provide provincial athletes with a multi-sport event that will help prepare them for more advanced levels of competition.
"With our updated sports venues, the City of Meadow Lake is ready and excited to host the 2012 Saskatchewan Summer Games," Meadow Lake Mayor Gary Vidal said. "I want to thank the city, host committee, volunteers, government and our other partners for their time, effort and investment. I am confident that this year's Summer Games will be the most successful yet."
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For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152
Sharon Rodenbush
Community Initiatives Fund
Regina
Phone: 306-545-7137
Email: srodenbush@cifsask.org
Cell: 306-533-3699