The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that the City of Swift Current will host the Western Canada Summer Games in 2019.
鈥淭he City of Swift Current will provide a great setting for a fun and exciting Western Canada Summer Games,鈥� Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. 鈥淥ur government is pleased to partner with the city and we look forward to showcasing the community and our province when the games come to Saskatchewan in 2019.鈥�
The host community was selected through a partnership with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport and the Saskatchewan Games Council. A site selection committee toured Swift Current in May and identified its potential as a host community.
鈥淭he Saskatchewan Games Council would like to congratulate Swift Current on being selected to host the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games,鈥� Saskatchewan Games Council Chair Julie Brandt said. 鈥淥ne of the many benefits to hosting an event such as this one is the legacies that it leaves behind for the host city and surrounding area. We know Swift Current will get behind these games and make them one of the best ever.鈥澛� 聽
鈥淲e鈥檙e very thrilled and honoured to have the opportunity to host the Western Canada Summer Games in 2019,鈥� Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer said. 鈥淥ur thanks goes to the province of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Games Council for their confidence in our community.聽 I am certain that Swift Current will host a tremendous event worthy of the belief our partners have shown in us.鈥�
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $1.5 million to bring the games to the province. The City of Swift Current will contribute $600,000, along with $300,000 in kind as the host community.聽 Additional funds will be generated by the event鈥檚 host committee.
The 2019 Western Canada Summer Games will mark the fifth time Saskatchewan has hosted the games. Previous host communities include the cities of Prince Albert (1999), Regina (1987 and 1975) and Saskatoon (1979). 聽
The Western Canada Summer Games is dedicated to the development of excellence in sport by the four western provinces and three territories: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory.聽 The games feature athletic competition in approximately18 sports and showcase the talents of western Canada鈥檚 finest young athletes.
The 2015 Western Canada Summer Games will take place August 7-16 in Wood Buffalo, Alberta. More than 2,500 athletes are set to compete.
