An important milestone was reached on the road to the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games on Friday, as the Tri-Party Agreement was signed at Affinity Place.
The Tri-Party Agreement outlines the responsibilities of the City of Estevan, the 2016 Saskatchewan Games organizing committee and the Saskatchewan Games Council.
The agreement was signed by City manager Amber Smale, mayor Roy Ludwig, organizing committee co-chair Brian Senchuk and Saskatchewan Games Council chair Larry Sauer.
Also on hand for the occasion were City councillors Kevin Smith and Greg Hoffort, as well as Games Council executive director Susan Schneider and provincial Games consultant Lorne Lasuita.
The financial ledger for the 2016 Games also got a big boost on Friday, as the host committee was presented with a cheque for $420,000 from the Games Council. A significant amount of money is given to each organizing committee to be put toward the staging of the Games.
The agreement holds the City responsible for any financial shortcoming, but Ludwig said he's confident that won't happen.
"The city, in a nutshell, is financially responsible. We accept that responsibility, knowing that the past few Games have been very successful. We look forward, with the people we have in place, to continuing that tradition of success."
Senchuk also assured the public that they won't be footing any of the bill, other than sponsorship or donations.
"Our goal is to make this a success, not only from an experience but from a financial perspective. We're a group of committed individuals and citizens that take pride in what we do. By no means will we ever put the City in a position where there's fear of us not succeeding. We will not let it happen. We will succeed," he said.
Ludwig said the experience so far for him has been positive.
"I'm so happy with our committee. They're very professional. The enthusiasm is right off the charts and I just know that we're going to do absolutely fantastic.
"It has been absolutely excellent working with Lorne and his group of people, plus our local committee."
Senchuk said that while the $420,000 had not yet been earmarked for anything in particular, it is a big help.
"We have to operate the Games. We will have two separate budgets, one for capital projects and one for the running of the Games. We have financial people involved that will make sure that each is well looked after.
"It's huge. It's an immediate impact on the City of Estevan. That's $420,000 coming into the community that wasn't there before, plus the $250,000 legacy grant that we will be applying for."
Meanwhile, the organizing committee is now working on sponsorship packages and notes that anyone can get involved.
"There's opportunities for individuals and companies, small or large. Everybody can leave an impact on the Games. We need your help and support because it's not only bringing the Games, it's bringing athletes, it's bringing an impact and a legacy to the community. We're hoping everybody can lend their hands in a way," Senchuk said.
In addition, the group is asking for volunteers to come forward, and not just to handle major tasks.
"We have a really energetic volunteer committee that will eagerly accept people coming forward and will find a spot for them, no matter what it is or how small, it's all important."
