LLOYDMINSTER, SK (July 25, 2019) – As the City of Lloydminster gears up to host the 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games
(2020 SSG) in just over one year’s time, two important pieces in the planning of the Games were officially recognized on
Thursday, July 25: the Tri-Party Agreement and the unveiling of the creative material and tagline for the Games.
The Games will be staged through a partnership, marked by formal agreement, between the Saskatchewan Games
Council, the City of Lloydminster, and the 2020 Lloydminster Saskatchewan Summer Games Host Society. As part of
this agreement, the Saskatchewan Games Council has also committed to the Host Society a $420,000 operating grant
and a matching legacy grant worth $250,000. The legacy grant will be used to enhance sport facilities and equipment
in the community. Additionally, the Council provides over $200,000 in value-in-kind assets to support the Host Society.
The Games are expected to draw over 5,000 spectators to Lloydminster, which is projected to result in a $5 million
economic impact to the area.
In addition, 2020 SSG Host Society Chairperson Kevin Kusch unveiled the new creative material and tagline for the
upcoming Games: “Earn Your Edge,” which nods to the Games’ location as Canada’s only Border City, as well as issues a
special challenge to the athletes who will compete for the podium, going to the edge and back in their quest for success.
The 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games will take place from July 26 – August 1, 2020, and will allow athletes from
across the province to compete in 14 different sports. These include archery, athletics, baseball, canoe kayak, soccer,
triathlon, volleyball, basketball, golf, Rugby 7s (female), softball (female), swimming and swimming – Special Olympics,
and tennis. The inclusion of Rugby 7s will be a first for the Saskatchewan Games program. Lloydminster last hosted the
Saskatchewan Games in 2008.
Over 1,000 community volunteers will be recruited to successfully stage the Games. A volunteer drive will start in early 2020.
Quotes:
Mayor Gerald Aalbers – City of Lloydminster:
“Hosting an event of this scale requires the time, energy and resources of many organizations and individuals. With the
one-year celebration, a nod to the many volunteers and a challenge to the athletes, the City of Lloydminster pledges
its enthusiastic participation in making the 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games one of the most successful editions in
the event’s proud history.”
Mark Bracken – Executive Director, Saskatchewan Games Council:
“The Saskatchewan Games Council would like to congratulate the 2020 Lloydminster Saskatchewan Summer Games
host organizing committee members for the success they have already achieved in the demanding project of
organizing the Saskatchewan Games. Given the strong leadership and initiative we have seen from the host committee
chairs and staff, the spirit and support of the City and community at large, and the incredible sport venues throughout
Lloydminster, we are confident that these Games will provide exceptional experiences for our participants and many
lasting legacies for the community.”
Kevin Kusch – Chairperson, 2020 Lloydminster Saskatchewan Summer Games Host Society:
“It’s exciting to know in one year’s time, we will welcome 1,800 athletes, each of whom will have come to Lloydminster
to earn their edge as they vie for a provincial medal. On behalf of the 2020 Lloydminster Saskatchewan Games Host
Society, I would like to thank the City of Lloydminster and the Saskatchewan Games Council for the ongoing support
and confidence they exude in us in hosting a spectacular week of athleticism and sportsmanship.”
About the Saskatchewan Games:
The Saskatchewan Games are one of the largest amateur sporting events in Saskatchewan, involving over 2,000
athletes, coaches and officials from every corner of the province, and providing a major economic stimulus to each
host community. The Games have been held since 1972, alternating biennially between Summer and Winter Games.
The movement provides an opportunity for the province’s developing athletes, coaches and officials to experience
an exciting multi-sport event in preparation for a higher level of competition, including the Canada Games, Western
Canada Summer Games, North American Indigenous Games, and the Olympics.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Eric Healey
Chair, Media Relations
2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games Host Society
P: 306.307.8483
E: ehealey@lloydminster.ca