The Countdown is On:
With 100 Days to Go Until the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games,
Lloydminster is Gearing Up to Host the Province
Lloydminster, SK (April 12, 2024) — With just 100 days to go until Lloydminster plays host to the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games, the Border City is gearing up in a big way to deliver an incredible seven days of sport, culture, and community.
From July 21st through 27th, upwards of 1,800 athletes, 1,000 local volunteers, and 5,000 visitors will gather in Lloydminster for the weeklong multi-sport event. Preparations for the Games are well underway thanks to the Host Organizing Committee, led by Co-Chairs Wendy Plandowski and Aaron Rawlake and supported by dozens of dedicated volunteers along with Games Manager Nicole Clow.
With the Games serving as a true community showcase, approximately 1,000 volunteers will be required to help stage the event and welcome the province. The volunteer drive is currently underway, with opportunities for all ages and abilities; volunteer roles will include sport operations, food services, merchandise sales, medical services, logistics support, athlete services, and much more. Interested residents can learn more and register to volunteer at saskgames.ca/summer/volunteers.
“We have a track record of outstanding volunteerism here in Lloydminster, and nowhere is that more evident than at events like the Saskatchewan Games,” said event Co-Chair Wendy Plandowski. “The Saskatchewan Games will connect thousands of people through sport -- the camaraderie and connection that hosting the Games brings to a community is truly something to experience. We hope that you’ll lend a hand and help us bring the whole province to our backyard this summer.”
In addition to showcasing its community spirit, hosting the Games will allow Lloydminster to spotlight its top-rated venues and facilities to visitors from all across the province while delivering lasting legacies that will benefit the community long into the future. The Saskatchewan Games Council provides $250,000 in Sport Legacy matching grant funding in order to benefit sport clubs and venues local to the host community of each edition of the Saskatchewan Games, and as the event draws near, many Legacy Projects are now nearing completion.
Jointly funded by the Saskatchewan Games Council and the City of Lloydminster and representing more than $500,000 of community investment, these projects include:
Extensive upgrades to the VLA Soccer Fields, including a new irrigation system and portable buildings to serve as change rooms and storage space, which will enhance the training and competition facilities enjoyed by numerous soccer teams;
The purchase of a Sport Court surface to enhance the Wheelchair Basketball competition taking place at the Servus Sports Centre, along with a trailer to easily transport the flooring to different venues;
The purchase of portable bleachers to increase viewing capacity at numerous Lloydminster venues;
The expansion of a third Beach Volleyball court and equipment upgrades at Bud Miller All Seasons Park;
The purchase of buoys for the Canoe Kayak competition at Killarney Lake and for future use by the Lloydminster Rowing Club;
Upgraded equipment that will enhance training and competition opportunities at the Lloydminster & Area Archers Club;
The surfacing of a high jump pad at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School.
These 2024 Legacy Projects are in addition to the significant upgrades delivered as part of the 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games Legacy Grant funding, which included resurfacing of the Athletics track at the Lloydminster Comprehensive High School, major upgrades to the Hospital Ball Diamonds, and new equipment purchases for local Archery, Athletics, Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon, and Volleyball clubs. Though the 2020 Games were ultimately cancelled due to the pandemic, the two events have altogether delivered over $1,000,000 in investment towards community legacies.
“Lloydminster is an incredible, vibrant community with a deep passion for sport, recreation, and event hosting. We’re proud of our world-class sports and recreation facilities, and the opportunity to enhance and upgrade our city’s amenities,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “The Saskatchewan Games Legacy Grants will benefit our community and our people for many years to come. We’re thrilled to showcase our city and all we have to offer this July.”
The Saskatchewan Games are expected to generate upwards of $5 million in economic activity for Lloydminster and the surrounding area. With thousands of visitors descending upon the city during the week of the Games, the Host Organizing Committee is encouraging local businesses to get involved.
“The Games represent an enormous opportunity for our local businesses here in Lloydminster and the surrounding area. Whether it’s through investing in your community as an official sponsor of our event, encouraging your staff and colleagues to volunteer, or demonstrating the famous Lloydminster hospitality to thousands of incoming tourists, we truly welcome the involvement of our local business community and hope to make the Saskatchewan Games an exceptional experience for all,” added Games Manager Nicole Clow.
About the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Lloydminster, presented by Teine Energy
From July 21-27, 2024, more than 1,800 athletes, coaches, and officials will gather in the Border City to share in the thrill of competition and camaraderie on the provincial stage. Upwards of 1,000 community volunteers will be recruited to help welcome thousands of visitors to Lloydminster during the seven days of Games competition, in addition to the dozens of dedicated Host Society volunteer leads in charge of planning the multi-sport event. Athletes will represent the 9 Sport, Culture and Recreation Districts across the province, and will compete in 15 different sports. The Games are expected to generate upwards of $5 million in economic activity to Lloydminster and surrounding area. To learn more, visit saskgames.ca/summer.
About the Saskatchewan Games
First established in 1972, the purpose of the biennial Saskatchewan Games is to provide an opportunity for the province’s developing athletes, coaches and officials to participate in an exciting, inclusive multi-sport event in preparation for a higher level of competition. Countless Saskatchewan Games alumni have advanced to competition at the national level and beyond, with Olympic champions such as Emily Clarke, Colleen Sostorics, and Lucas Makowsky counting the Saskatchewan Games as a key step in their journey to the highest levels of sport. The Saskatchewan Games also leave behind valuable legacies that benefit each host community for years to come. To learn more, visit saskgames.ca.
Digital Media Kit
Saskatchewan Games Social Channels
Facebook: Saskatchewan Games | 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Lloydminster
Twitter: @saskgames
Instagram: @saskatchewangames | @2024saskgames
LinkedIn: Saskatchewan Games Council Inc.
###
Media Contacts
Eric Healey
Coordinator, Media & Digital Communications
City of Lloydminster
P: 780-875-6184, Ext. 2309
C: 306-307-8483
Karen Lawson
Games Services and Communications Lead
Saskatchewan Games Council
C: 306-529-3120