REGINA, SK (February 20, 2023): The first official day of competition at the 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games got underway Monday, with hundreds of participants competing in 10 different sports at venues all across Regina and beyond. The University of Regina was a major hub of activity, with the Athletes’ Village and Volunteer Central hosted on campus along with the sports of Weightlifting and Table Tennis. Family and friends from all over Saskatchewan faced the cold today to support the athletes. Regina’s community spirit was on full display on Monday, with smiling volunteers found at every turn ensuring a great experience for all. The 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games featured a historic addition to the roster: Mixed Doubles Curling, which made its debut at the biennial multi-sport event Monday. Team curling has been included in every Saskatchewan Winter Games sport program since 1982. ● Opening Ceremonies: On Sunday, February 19th, the Opening Ceremony at the University of Regina got the Games off to a thrilling start! The 2023 Winter Games Host Organizing Committee was honoured to have the following dignitaries present: Elder Alice Pahtayken, Minister Gene Makowsky, Mayor Sandra Masters, and CFO of Teine Energy, Ken Hillier. Mark Johnston of Play 92.1 emceed and the crowd enjoyed incredible performances from Teagan Littlechief, Donny Parenteau, Terrance Littletent, and Arcana Kings. 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games Social Channels: Saskatchewan Games Council Social Channels:
RESULTS
FULL MEDAL STANDINGS
DAILY SCHEDULE
DIGITAL PROGRAM
QUOTES OF THE DAY:
● "I love being a Saskatchewan Winter Games volunteer because it allows me to give back to my community and share my passion for sports with others. Seeing the joy on the faces of the young athletes and knowing that I played a small part in their special time here at the Games is truly rewarding." -- McGuire Danbrook, Volunteer
● "I'm thrilled that mixed curling is making its debut at the Saskatchewan Winter Games. We had a good start and had a lot of fun. I’m proud we made it here!” -- Cara Kesslering, Team Prairie Central Athlete
● “I was honoured to be at Mission Ridge presenting medals and witnessing firsthand the amazing athleticism and determination of these athletes. Despite the cold weather, they showed an unwavering commitment to their sport and had fun” -- Darrell Baker, Saskatchewan Games Council Representative
● “It is so great to be back after five years! For me, it’s so nice to see the excitement of all of our athletes, coaches and mission staff to experience everything the Saskatchewan Games has to offer. Our team was so built up for this experience and it’s so nice to be able to see
South East compete across Regina” -- Tara-Leigh Heslip, Chef de Mission for Team South East
● “I volunteered at Speed Skating and everyone worked extremely well together. The athletes were all excited and put their best foot forward.” -- Stacey Low, Volunteer
SPORT SPOTLIGHTS:
● Biathlon: The heats for biathlon kicked off today at Qu’Appelle Valley Nordic Centre in Lumsden. The schedule for biathlon was updated to adjust for anticipated weather and competition will now be completed tomorrow.
● Curling: At 2 PM, four games of mixed doubles curling took place at the Highland Curling Club. In Pool A on sheet two, Team Parkland Valley 2 played Team South East and on sheet three, Team Regina 1 played Parkland Valley 2. In Pool B on sheet 4, Team Prairie Central played South West and on sheet five, Team Regina 2 played Team Saskatoon. South East (9-4), Regina 1 (8-6), South West (8-7), and Saskatoon (8-4) won their respective games. Competition will continue at the Highland Curling Club through Wednesday, February 22nd.
● Gymnastics: Mackenzie Boyer and Naomi Johns are the first gymnasts from La Ronge to ever compete at the Saskatchewan Winter Games. They won bronze for Team North today in Gymnastics Team Mix.
YESTERDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS:
● Torch Relay: The Torch Relay, sponsored by Scotiabank, began at 9:00 AM on Sunday, February 19th, 2023 and featured inspirational leaders in Canadian sport as its torch bearers, including three-time Olympic Champion Colleen Sostorics and two-time World Masters
Athlete of the Year Carol Lafayette-Boyd as torch bearers. With the lighting of the cauldron, Minister Gene Makowsky declared the Games officially open.
COMING UP NEXT:
● The 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games Culture Festival, sponsored by CGI, begins tomorrow and includes three days of interactive learning and celebration of Saskatchewan’s diverse talent. The Culture Festival events will take place at the University of Regina, Education Auditorium, February 21-23, 2023 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM each evening. These events are free and welcome to the public.
○ Tuesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 23 will include celebrations of culture through a sit-down show of diverse and entertaining performances.
○ Wednesday, February 22 will feature a keynote speech from Sydney Daniels, the Winnipeg Jets' first female NHL Scout, followed by a Truth and Reconciliation in Sport Panel Discussion featuring Scott and Sydney Daniels. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
● The Day 2 Sport Schedule includes competition in Alpine Ski, Artistic Swimming, Badminton, Bowling - Special Olympics, Curling, Gymnastics, Table Tennis and Weightlifting.
CONTENT: Photos of the Games are available for download at this link. Thank you to our volunteer
photographers!
LIVESTREAM: The 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games is proud to partner with HomeTeam Live to
stream every sport at the Games at app.hometeamlive.com. The stream is free and easy to access,
with instructions here.
WEBSITE: saskgames.ca
FOLLOW:
Facebook: 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games Regina
Twitter: @2023saskgames
Instagram: @2023saskgames
Facebook: Saskatchewan Games
Twitter: @saskgames
Instagram: @saskatchewangames
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ABOUT THE SASKATCHEWAN GAMES: First established in 1972, the purpose of the Saskatchewan Games is to provide an opportunity for the province’s developing athletes, coaches and officials to participate in an exciting 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 Olympians such as Emily Clarke, Marsha Hudey and Lucas Makowsky counting the Saskatchewan Winter 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 http://www.saskgames.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ashley Dennison, Communications Lead
Saskatchewan Games Council
E: adennison@saskgames.ca
C: (306) 570-2525
News
DAY 1 AT THE 2023 SASKATCHEWAN WINTER GAMES IN REGINA, PRESENTED BY TEINE ENERGY
Feb 21, 2023