The Estevan 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games have officially come to a close.
Saskatchewan Games Council chairperson Julie Brandt announced the close of the week-long multi-sport event a little before 6 p.m. at the Summer Games closing ceremonies at Affinity Place on Saturday evening. Shortly before Brandt brought the Games to a close, she handed the Saskatchewan Games flag to North Battleford 2018 Saskatchewan Winter Games ceremonies and protocol co-chair Jane Zielke de Montbrun on behalf of Estevan 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games co-chairs Brian Smith and Brian Senchuk.
Approximately 1,500 cheering family, friends and fans filled the Affinity Place stands for the closing ceremonies, which began with the marching in of the 900 athletes and coaches who competed in the second half of the Summer Games.
Estevan MLA Lori Carr then took the stage to present greetings on behalf of Premier Brad Wall and thank the Games organizers, sponsors and the many volunteers who made the event possible. Carr also spoke to the athletes sitting before her telling them her hope is that they were able to achieve their personal best and enjoy the experience of competing in the Summer Games.
Brandt then went before the crowd to congratulate the people of Estevan for the wonderful job they have done this past week to make the event such a success. She said the Games are an opportunity for these athletes to be a part of something that will motivate them to reach for their highest goal and if they didn't walk into the closing ceremonies with a recently-won medal to not give up hope and continue to try their hardest.
Roy Ludwig, mayor of Estevan, spoke next and told the residents of this city to give themselves a round of applause for the great work they've done during the Games. He said a special thank you also has to go to Smith and Senchuk as well as the Games' organizing committee and their fantastic volunteers for making these Summer Games the best ever.
Before the Saskatchewan Games flag was passed to North Battleford, Smith and Senchuk took the stage with members of the organizing committee to thank everyone involved with the Games. The men noted the most fulfilling part of these Games was seeing all the smiles on the athletes faces and they should be proud of their accomplishments as they are an inspiration to us all.
