Battlefords MLA Herb Cox rose in the legislature recently to publicly congratulate everyone involved in the Saskatchewan Winter Games in North Battleford.
Cox’s member’s statement, made on Tuesday, March 27, noted the success of the Games and acknowledged the participation of the athletes and volunteers. His comments in the legislature are reprinted from Hansard.
Mr. Cox: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last month I had the privilege to participate in the opening ceremonies of the 2018 Saskatchewan Winter Games, which were held in North Battleford. The games drew 1,900 athletes, coaches, managers, and officials in 17 sports from all seven Sport, Culture and Recreation districts in the province. As well, there were over 5,000 spectators who cheered on our young athletes.
Our city’s passion for volunteering was also prevalent, as more than 1,000 volunteers helped make the games a success. The city of North Battleford and its citizens were wonderful hosts for the games, living up to the theme, Celebrate Winter’s Best.
Mr. Speaker, the 2018 Saskatchewan Winter Games were noteworthy for their attention to diversity and inclusion. For the first time ever, athletes competed in a para-sport — para-nordic ski. And at the Sask. Games as well, 32 Special Olympic athletes participated in the sport of bowling.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support provincial athletic competitions like the Winter Games through Sask. Sport, Saskatchewan Lotteries, and the Sask. Games Council. They contribute to our local and provincial economies and make Saskatchewan stronger.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask all members to join me in congratulating the medal winners and everyone who participated in the competition. I also ask that we join in thanking the North Battleford host committee, the Saskatchewan Games Council, the city and the people of North Battleford, and all the amazing volunteers for a very successful Saskatchewan Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
