News

Regina, SK (February 22, 2023) – Weightlifting enthusiasts were treated to an extraordinary showcase of strength and determination during part one of the 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games, presented by Teine Energy. Weightlifting events which took place February 20-22, 2023 saw numerous provincial records broken by some of the most promising young weightlifters in Saskatchewan. 

Alexander Follick, competing in the 49kg weight category, left a lasting impression on spectators and fellow athletes alike by breaking three provincial records in a single day. Follick set new benchmarks for the Men's Snatch, Clean and Jerk, and Total categories, lifting an impressive 48kg, 59kg, and 107kg, respectively.

The following day, Etta Love stepped up to the challenge and broke three youth provincial records in the Women's 87kg+ weight category. Love lifted 93kg in the Snatch, 109kg in the Clean and Jerk, and a total of 202kg, setting new standards for future competitors to strive for.

Dryden Parchewsky was not to be outdone, breaking two provincial records in the 81kg Men's weight category on February 21. Parchewsky lifted 95kg in the Snatch and 203kg in the Total category, showing his ability and dedication to the sport.

The youth women's 64kg weight category also saw its fair share of new records being set, with Isabella Barclay breaking the provincial records for Clean and Jerk and Total. Barclay lifted an impressive 80kg in the Clean and Jerk category and a total of 143kg, cementing her position as a rising star in the sport.

In addition, six athletes from the adaptive program, which is a partnership with the Saskatoon Autism Services, FASD Saskatoon and Saskatchewan Weightlifting Association showcased their skills at the 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games. 

These impressive performances by the weightlifters and adaptive athletes demonstrate their dedication and hard work in training and preparation for the Saskatchewan Games. 

Quotes: 

“We’ve had a really good meet during these Games. Every weight class has had competition and there’s been a lot of back and forth between the athletes. “We’ve had several provincial records broken in the process by multiple athletes in the process.” – Lucas King, Sport Chair and President of the Saskatchewan Weightlifting Association

“We have athletes from all nine districts! Events like the Saskatchewan Games really get the athletes excited and keep them coming back and training. They get to spend time with their friends, they get to see other competitions, they get to interact with people from across the province, so they get excited to go back home and train to continue compete. This is a highlight of the youth cycle lifting as a junior athlete. This is a great opportunity for the organization (Saskatchewan Weightlifting Association) because we are able to bring a larger number of athletes. We actually have a number of athletes competing in both halves of the Games, in sports like Judo for example.” – Lucas King, Sport Chair and President of the Saskatchewan Weightlifting Association

“We hold an event at the end of [the adaptive program] cycle. We had a lot of support from the Games Committee and their families to come out and showcase the program.” – Lucas King, Sport Chair and President of the Saskatchewan Weightlifting Association

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 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 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