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2016 Estevan Saskatchewan Summer Games Posts Record Economic Impact
Feb 17, 2017

2016 SASKATCHEWAN SUMMER GAMES A SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC BOOST FOR ESTEVAN AND AREA

February 17, 2017

Just over six months after the close of the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games, and the final results are in: Estevan has posted the largest economic impact of any Saskatchewan Games to date, generating in excess of $7 million dollars in direct and indirect impact for the host city and local area.

This figure was calculated through use of the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance’s Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM), which combines the economic impacts of visitor, capital, and operations expenditures to arrive at the final amount. The multisport games, which drew approximately 8,500 athletes, parents, coaches, spectators, volunteers and staff to the Estevan area during the week of July 24-30, 2016, injected money into the local economy in a variety of ways. Industries such as Accommodation and Food Services and Retail Trade were major beneficiaries, with over $700,000 of local and visitor economic activity occurring in those sectors throughout the week. The total figure also includes $175,000 in tax revenue accrued to the municipal government, with an extra $354,500 in tax revenue to the provincial government.

In addition to providing a major economic stimulus, the Saskatchewan Summer Games will leave behind a legacy for athletes of all stripes in Estevan and local area. As part of the Saskatchewan Games Legacy Program, Estevan was provided with a $250,000 grant for new facilities, renovations and upgrades to existing facilities, and purchase of new sports equipment. This grant aided in the construction of a new athletics venue worth $1.6 million dollars and the resurfacing of four community tennis courts, a cost of $50,000.

As well as the athletics facility and tennis courts, numerous other sports facilities in Estevan will see new construction, new equipment purchases, or facility upgrades totaling more than $130,000. This includes upgrades to the stables at the Estevan Exhibition Grounds, new bleachers for the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre, softball score clock and upgrades at Pleasantdale Softball Park, a new walking path along Kensington Avenue, and equipment for local soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and archery organizations.

Games Co-Chairs Brian Smith and Brian Senchuk commented: “Beyond the legacy of sport facilities left in the community, the city became energized and brought a level of excitement and pride we’ve never witnessed before. The week of the Games truly revealed our community to the province, as our visitors developed a different image of how ‘great’ we are!”

His Worship Mayor Roy Ludwig added that “the Games were a tremendous success, providing a huge economic boom to our economy. The volunteers went above and beyond to ensure the visitors were left with a good impression of our community.”

“One of the goals of the Saskatchewan Games is to enhance community development through a sport legacy of upgraded equipment, facilities, experienced officials, cultural understanding and appreciation, and a core group of volunteers,” remarked Julie Brandt, Chairperson of the Saskatchewan Games Council. “The Saskatchewan Games Council is impressed with the legacy left behind in Estevan.”

The next Saskatchewan Winter Games are to be held in North Battleford from February 18-24, 2018. The North Battleford Host Society is organizing a year-out kickoff event on Monday, February 20th at the North Battleford CUplex from 11 AM – 3 PM. The event will include a free BBQ for the community, speeches, sport and volunteer information, and activities and games for kids.

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About the Saskatchewan Games

Since 1972, the Saskatchewan Games have provided an important and exciting competitive environment for young Saskatchewan athletes. Held biannually and alternating between Summer and Winter, the Games provide an opportunity for the province’s developing athletes, coaches and officials to participate in a multisport event in preparation for a higher level of competition.

For more information contact:

Lorne Lasuita

Provincial Games Consultant

Saskatchewan Games Council

(306) 780-9246

llasuita@saskgames.ca