News

2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games postponed to July 2021 over COVID-19 concerns
Apr 28, 2020

2020 SASKATCHEWAN SUMMER GAMES IN LLOYDMINSTER POSTPONED OVER COVID-19 CONCERNS 
Multi-Sport Games Have Been Rescheduled for July 2021 

REGINA, SK – The Saskatchewan Games Council, the City of Lloydminster, and the Lloydminster 2020 Host Society have jointly announced the postponement of the 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games until July 2021 due to health and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19. The Games were originally scheduled to be held from July 26 – August 1 in Lloydminster, Sask.

The Games are now tentatively scheduled to run from July 18–24, 2021, and will feature competition from young athletes in 15 summer sports. All sports that were originally included on the sport calendar in 2020 are committed to participate in 2021.

As the global pandemic continues to develop in Saskatchewan and throughout Canada, ongoing discussions between the three parties indicate it is no longer viable for the Games to proceed as planned in July 2020 while ensuring the health and well-being of all participants, volunteers, spectators, and event staff. The decision was made final following advice from the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

The Saskatchewan Games are one of the largest amateur sporting events in Saskatchewan, seeing participation from over 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials from every corner of the province. The biennial Games, which alternate between summer and winter, provide an opportunity for the province’s developing athletes, coaches and officials to experience an exciting multi-sport event in preparation for higher levels of competition, including the Canada Games, Western Canada Summer Games, North American Indigenous Games, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Quotes

“The Saskatchewan Games Council wishes to recognize the ongoing hard work and passion invested by the City of Lloydminster and Lloydminster 2020 Host Society in planning these Games, including the leadership from Games Manager Nicole Clow and Chairperson Kevin Kusch. We also want to recognize the Sport, Culture and Recreation Districts and Provincial Sport Organizations for all their efforts in preparing for the Games. Though this is an unfortunate situation, it was the right decision to ensure the health and safety of all involved, and we look forward to working with all partners to deliver an exceptional experience for our province’s athletes in the summer 2021.” -- Mark Bracken, Saskatchewan Games Council Executive Director

“From athletes to spectators, health and safety are of the utmost importance. The decision to postpone was not easy, but it is right. Now that a decision has been made, the athletes, coaches and support staff can focus on their well-being during this critical time while resetting and recalibrating for 2021. As a Host Society, we are excited to continue our efforts in 2021 to ensure the Games’ success.” -- Kevin Kusch, Chairperson, 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games Host Society

“While sporting facilities and outdoor amenities showcase some of the best of Lloydminster, the health and safety of the residents and athletes, and curbing the spread of COVID-19 is our primary focus right now. I look forward to showcasing Lloydminster’s vibrant and diverse athletic and cultural heritage with the province once it’s safe again for large crowds to gather.” -- Gerald Aalbers, Mayor, City of Lloydminster

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For more information, please contact:

Karen Lawson 
Games Services and Communications Lead 
Saskatchewan Games Council 
klawson@saskgames.ca 
306-529-3120 

Eric Healey 
Chair, Media Relations 
2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games Host Society 
ehealey@lloydminster.ca 
306-307-8483