The Saskatchewan Games Council announced the creation of a Saskatchewan Games Legacy Program. The program will assist host communities of the Saskatchewan Games to fund equipment purchases and building upgrades in preparation for the Saskatchewan Games.
Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Kevin Doherty supports the creation of the Saskatchewan Games Legacy program.
"This is a great way to ensure communities receive the support they need to host the Saskatchewan Games," Doherty said. "In addition to being an investment in the Games and our athletes, the projects and equipment funded through this program guarantee that communities will enjoy better sport infrastructure for generations. Our province is growing-these investments help meet the demands of our increasing population and enhance our quality of life."
The 2014 Saskatchewan Winter Games were the first beneficiaries of the legacy program. Through a matching grant of $125,000.00 the host community, Prince Albert, was able to purchase new equipment for a majority of sports and upgrade facilities for cross-country skiing, snowboarding and gymnastics.
The Sask Games Council Chairperson, Larry Sauer says "The Saskatchewan Games Legacy Program will promote sport and club development for Sask Games host communities and their surrounding areas. The projects that these grants will benefit, will impact the citizens of the host communities and allow them to enjoy for years to come."
Future host communities of the Saskatchewan Games program will be able to apply to the Saskatchewan Games Council for legacy program funding of up to $250,000.00. All legacy funds must be matched by the host community. This means, for example, that Estevan, the host community of the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games, could realise up to $500,000.00 in equipment and facilities upgrades for their community.
As outlined in the goals of the Saskatchewan Games program, the games enhance community development through a sport legacy of upgraded equipment, facilities, experienced officials, cultural understanding and appreciation, and a corps of volunteers.
The Saskatchewan Games program provides an opportunity for the provinces developing athletes, coaches and officials to participate in a multisport event in preparation for a higher level of competition. The games take place every two years alternating between summer and winter games.
