The 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games have come to an end, with the Closing Ceremonies taking place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. Estevan hosted 2000 athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff from over 270 communities across Saskatchewan, making these Games the largest in their history. “It has been an incredible week,” said Brian Smith, Co-Chair of the Estevan 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games. “The weather cooperated, the spirit of competition was high, and the skills exhibited were inspirational.”
The week-long event consisted of 13 sports divided into two phases. Athletes from the ages of 11 – 19 competed in the exciting multi-sport atmosphere. “This week these athletes have participated in something bigger than their sport,” said Julie Brandt, Chairperson of the Saskatchewan Games Council. “They represented their entire District team, and they represented them well.”
The Games Flag is an impressive award given to the District who achieves the best overall performance at the Games by accumulating the most flag points. The amount of flag points a District team collects is determined by the scoring system for each sport; teams and individuals are awarded points based on their final placings.
The Saskatchewan Games Council is pleased to announce Team Saskatoon as the Games Flag winner for the Estevan 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games.
In addition to being an exceptional amateur sporting event, the Saskatchewan Games exhibit a community’s spectacular volunteer dedication and community cooperation. “We owe a big thank you to all of our volunteers,” exclaimed Smith. “Without them, we could not have hosted such a successful event.”
Over 1000 people from Estevan and surrounding areas volunteered their time and skills to the Games.
The 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games have left a legacy in Estevan with a brand new athletics track, upgraded tennis courts, numerous bleachers around the sport venues, and of course a legacy of volunteers in the community and lasting community pride. “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” said Brandt. “The Saskatchewan Games Council is impressed with the legacy left behind in Estevan.”
With the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games starting next week, it is hoped that these athletes have been inspired by their participation in the Saskatchewan Games to stay motivated and continue working hard in everything that they do.
The final medal count can be accessed at: http://skg2016.gems.pro/Result/MedalList.aspx.
Further details on the Flag Point breakdown can be viewed at: http://skg2016.gems.pro/Result/FlagPointList.aspx?&Gems_ScreenWidth=1920&Gems_ScreenHeight=1080&Gems_ScreenAvailWidth=1920&Gems_ScreenAvailHeight=1040