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Regina, SK (February 20, 2023) – Curling fans rejoice! The 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games in Regina, presented by Teine Energy, is featuring a historic addition to the roster: Mixed Doubles Curling. The debut of this exciting new sport was marked with the Saskatchewan Games’ first-ever mixed doubles curling rock being swept down the ice at the Highland Curling Club on Monday afternoon.

This marks a significant milestone for Saskatchewan, as the province has always been a stronghold for curling. With the addition of mixed doubles curling, the Saskatchewan Winter Games will showcase the best of both worlds - combining the tactical skills of regular curling with the intensity and dynamic gameplay of mixed doubles.

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 22^nd.

The 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games marks the first time the sport has been contested at the Games. Team curling has been involved in every Saskatchewan Winter Games program since 1982. Mixed doubles curling was added to the Saskatchewan Winter Games sport schedule to follow the progression in multi-sport Games, such as the Canada Games.

Mixed doubles curling is played with two players, one male and one female, who alternate throwing stones and sweeping the ice. With a shorter playing time and fewer stones, mixed curling requires intense strategy, precision, and athleticism. The Saskatchewan Winter Games will feature mixed doubles curling as one of its headline events, alongside traditional sports like figure skating, speed skating, wrestling and cross-country skiing.

Quotes

"The addition of mixed doubles curling to the Saskatchewan Winter Games is a historic moment for our province, and a testament to our love and passion for curling,” said Amber Holland, Sport Chair for the 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games.

"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,” said Cara Kesslering, Team Prairie Central athlete.

2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games Social Channels:
Facebook: 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games Regina
Twitter: @2023saskgames
Instagram: @2023saskgames

Saskatchewan Games Council Social Channels:
Facebook: Saskatchewan Games
Twitter: @saskgames
Instagram: @saskatchewangames

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 Sandra Schmirler, 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.

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Media Contact:
Ashley Dennison
Games Services and Communications Lead
Saskatchewan Games Council
306-570-2525
adennison@saskgames.ca