The latest sponsor of the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan has not only stepped forward to support the event itself, but to provide a boost for tennis locally for the next decade.
Richardson Pioneer Ltd. announced their support March 3 at a press conference at the Estevan Leisure Centre. The company pledged $100,000 over the next 10 years, which earned them diamond sponsor status and the naming rights to the tennis courts during the Games.
The courts, which are located at the Estevan Comprehensive School, will be known as the Richardson Pioneer Tennis Venue for the next decade.
The money will come from the company’s foundation, which contributed more than $1.6 million to assist projects and charities across the country last year.
Randy Riege, the director of operations with Richardson Pioneer, said their foundation has supported projects they believe are important. The tennis courts were an attractive amenity to be sponsored.
“Some of the staff who work for Richardson Pioneer in Estevan play tennis and they’ll have fun playing there, along with their kids,” Riege told the Mercury.
Not only is it nice to have their name attached to the courts for the Games, but he’s also pleased to have the naming rights for the next decade.
“We’re very excited to be part of the Estevan 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games as a major sponsor,” said Riege. “We look forward to not only to being part of what will be a major event for Estevan, but leaving a lasting legacy for years to come.”
Brian Smith, the co-chair of the local 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games committee, said the necessary repairs to the tennis courts should be completed well before the Games. They have someone lined up to do the work who has completed tennis court projects in other communities.
“He probably won’t start until mid-May,” said Smith. “He usually doesn’t like to paint any lines on anything until after the May long weekend.”
The lines on the tennis courts need to be replaced. Cracks that have developed over the years need to be filled, and low spots on the court need to be levelled. The contractor will also apply a bonding agent, and then paint the courts.
The posts that hold the nets in place also need to be repaired.
“It depends on the weather of course, but I’m hoping that this will take a week,” said Smith.
There’s no concern that the courts won’t be ready for the start of the Games in July.
The two middle courts at the school will be refurbished for the Games. The two outside courts won’t be renovated, since they will not be needed for the Games, but they will be available again when the Games have ended.
“Richardson Pioneer’s support of Estevan’s Games will assist in leaving a strong legacy of the Games in the way of improved sporting facilities,” said Bernie Bjorndalen, the co-chair of the Friends of the Games committee.
Bjorndalen noted that Estevan’s Ray Frehlick, who does a lot of business with Richardson, played an instrumental role in getting Richardson Pioneer to support the Games.
“I commend them for having the vision to help make the small communities and small cities in western Canada better communities, better for our province and better for our country,” said Frehlick.
